The Audubon Societies 183 



States, is smaller and less richly tinted than the Passenger Pigeon. From 

 Panama to the great Saskatchewan plains, British Colmnbia, Manitoba, 

 Ontario and southern Nova Scotia, this well-known Dove is found. Harmless 

 and gentle, it is a species to protect. The destruction of the Passenger Pigeon 

 within the memory of people now living is a warning which should put every- 

 one on guard to save the Mourning Dove from a similar fate. 



The Birds of Prey, sometimes spoken of as raptorial birds, are many in 

 number, far- ranging in space, and of great economic value to man. We are 

 used to Hawks, Owls and Eagles, but less familiar, perhaps, with Vultures, 

 Kites, Gyrfalcons, the Osprey, and the curious tropical Caracara. The Bald 

 Eagle, unlike some other members of this order that migrate regularly, is 

 resident with us. From northern Mexico throughout the United States, this 

 noble bird is sparingly found, while a subspecies, the Northern Bald Eagle, 

 extends this range to the tree-limit in the Arctic regions. Like the Duck 

 Hawk and Fish Osprey, the Bald Eagle has a fondness for water. It is always 

 conspicuous on account of its white head, neck and tail. 



Along our water-courses, the common Kingfisher seems a part of the 

 scenery throughout its extensive breeding range. In summer, we may find 

 it anywhere between the southern coast states and the Arctic regions. It is 

 associated in Order XIV with the Trogons of the tropics and the Cuckoos, 

 which migrate to the north temperate zone. 



Of all the Woodpecker tribe, none is so familiar as the Downy. Known 

 by different subspecies in different parts of the country, this species ranges 

 quite generally through temperate North x\merica. The Woodpeckers are 

 less migratory by habit than many of the orders we have been studying 

 and the Downy Woodpecker is called a permanent resident. Highly useful, 

 like the majority of the Birds of Prey, our Woodpeckers should be well 

 protected. 



Order XVI brings us to a strange assortment of birds, the Night Hawks, 

 Whippoorwills, Swifts and Hummingbirds, each of which has an enter- 

 taining history. Many years ago, it was thought that the Chimney Swift 

 simply dropped into the mud to spend the winter, and, even now its exact 

 route of migration is not known completely. It is an eastern species, breeding 

 just north of the United States down to the Gulf Coast. It is known to visit 

 Vera Cruz and Cozumel Island in winter, and will probably also be found in 

 Central America. Before man put up chimneys, the Swift used hollow trees 

 as a site for its colony of curious nests. Can you find out how it has been able 

 to construct its nest against the sheer side of brick chimneys? 



Brief as is this hasty survey of the sixteen orders outside of the Perching 

 Birds, it is far too long to warrant us in taking up Order XVII now. We may, 

 however, make as many observations as possible during May and June, on 

 the great host of migrants belonging to this order. This will add much to the 

 interest of a systematic study of them later. 



