VOl 1909^ VI ] Allen, Habitat Groups of North American Birds. 169 



Brown Pelican, Pelican Island, Florida. Background by Bruce 

 Horsfall. Birds by E. W. Smith. — A large group, containing 

 seven old birds, nine young in various stages of growth, and several 

 nests with eggs, some placed on the ground, others in mangrove 

 bushes. It illustrates the manner in which the young are fed with 

 predigested food. The background shows numerous birds in the 

 distance, in various positions, some of them sitting on their nests, 

 others walking on the sandy beach or swimming in the water. The 

 view is toward the low mainland shore, with palm trees as a promi- 

 nent feature of the distant landscape. 



The American Egret in a South Carolina Cypress Swamp. Back- 

 ground by Bruce Horsfall. Birds by Herbert Lang. — Several 

 old birds in fine feather, with nests containing young in various 

 stages of development, in moss-draped trees at a height of forty 

 feet from the ground. The sketches for the landscape were made 

 from the trees at this altitude, to secure the desired effect. A creek 

 in the midview gives an opportunity for water and forest effects, 

 which include Egrets perched in the nearer trees. 



A Cactus Desert and its Bird-life. Background by Bruce Horsfall. 

 Birds by H. C. Denslow. — The locality is near Tucson, Arizona. 

 The birds introduced — about 50 specimens, representing 20 

 species — are those characteristic of a desert environment, and 

 include the Western Mockingbird, Palmer Thrasher, Cactus Wren, 

 Road-runner, Gambel and Scaled Quails, three species of Doves, 

 the Texas Nighthawk, Vermilion Flycatcher, Arizona Crested 

 Flycatcher, Gilded Flicker, Arizona Cardinal, House Finch, Black- 

 throated Sparrow, Verdin, Phainopepla, and Plumbeous Gnat- 

 catcher. The vegetation comprises a number of the most striking 

 forms of cacti, with mesquites and acacias. The background is a 

 typical desert scene, with the beautiful Santa Catalina Mountains 

 in the distance. 



California Condor Group. Background by Carlos Hittell. — 

 The site is in Piru Canon, Ventura County, California, and affords 

 an opportunity for striking scenic effects in the background. The 

 Condor is represented by a lone bird and a single egg. 



Brandt Cormorant Group. Background by Carlos Hittell. 

 Birds by Herbert Lang. — An assemblage of six adult birds, a nest 

 with eggs, and three broods of young in different stages of growth. 



