472 TACHVPETES AQU1LVS. 



The oesophagus is straight and somewhat dilated. Proventriculus, rather large, with 

 the glands arranged in a zonular band. Stomach, quite small but not muscular. Co3ca, 

 small. Sternum, deeply arched, with the central posterior margin, indented, but having 

 a wide, very shallow scallop on either side. Keel, high, well arched, and occupies the en- 

 tire length of sternum. Furcula, long, lying almost horizontal to coracoids and joined 

 firmly to them. Head, crested. Legs and neck, short. Tail and wings, long. 



GENUS I. TACHYPETES. THE FORK-TAILED FRIGATE BIRDS. 



GEN. Cn. Similar to those given under Family heading. Tail, deeply forked. Sexes, not similar. There is but one 

 species within our limits. 



TACHYPETES AQUILUS. 

 Man-of-war Bird. 



Tachypetes aqui/us VIEILI,., Gal. des Ois. ; 1H25, 274. 



DESCRIPTION. 



SP. Cn. Form, robust. Size, large. COLOR. Adult male. Black throughout, with green and purple reflections, 

 especially on body. Naked space about head, and bill, black, iris, brown, gui.ir sac and feet, orange. Adult female. Sim- 

 ilar, but the sides of head and broad patch on breast are white, and the plumage is not as lustrous. 



OBSERVATIONS. 



Known by the deeply forked tail and dark colors. Constantly resident on the coast of Florida and on the Bahamas. 

 Accidental as far north as Nova Scotia. 



DIMENSIONS. 



Average measurements of specimens from Florida. Length, 39*50; stretch, 85'00; wing, 24'50; tail, 17*5'*; bill, 5 25; 

 tarsus, -78. Longest specimen, 41 '00; greatest extent of wing, 86*00; longest wing, 25'00; tail, 18*00; bill, 5'50; tarsus, 

 80. Shortest specimen, 38 00; smallest extent of wing, 84*0l>; shortest wing, Sl'OO: tail, 17'00; bill, 5*00; tarsus, 75. 



DESCRIPTION OF NESTS AND EGGS. 



Nests, placed on the ground or in trees, composed of sticks. E'/ys, one or two in number, rather elliptical in form, 

 and greenish-white in color, covered with a white calcareous deposit. Dimensions from 2 00x2 -iO to 2 11 x2 85. 



HABITS. 



The noble birds which we now have in hand, are among the most noticeable that are 

 found in southern localities, for their majestic flight causes even the most casual observer 

 to gaze upon them with admiration. The Man-of-war, or Frigate, Birds are somewhat 

 parasitical in habit and may frequently be seen in pursuit of Terns and Gulls which have 

 recently captured a fish, when they display a variety of aerial evolutions that are ex- 

 tremely graceful. They easily outstrip the object of their pursuit, causing it to drop its 

 prey, when, diving downward, the Frigate seizes the fish before it reaches the water, and 

 devours it. These birds are highly gregarious, associating in flocks consisting of many 

 thousands, and will often gather in large numbers on the mangroves, for, in spite of the 

 small size of their feet, they perch well. The Man-of-war Birds are extremely shy, and 

 although I found many among the interior keys, was not able to procure specimens until I 

 discovered the fact that they are quite stupid at night; indeed, they return to roost long 

 before sundown and can be approached quite readily at twilight, at which time if disturbed, 

 they fly low, appearing quite confused. They breed late, about the first of June, placing 

 the huge nests on mangroves, at no great distance from the water. Thousands gather to 

 breed in one rookery, of which I know of but two in Florida, one near Cedar Keys and one 

 on one of the interior keys, quite difficult of access, in the vicinity of Capo Sable. 



The Man-of-war Birds do not, as a rule, extend their range further north than Mid- 

 dle Florida but occasionally wander above this point. I once possessed a line male which 

 was killed in October, 187C, at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a letter, just received from Mr. 



