1 84 ALASKA. 



and whitish edgings which makeup the characteristic variega- 

 tion of the breeding-plumage, in the absence of any dividing 

 cervical interval between the coloration of the crown and that 

 of the back, and especially in the strong, complete suffusion of 

 the sides of the head and the whole throat with tawny brown. 

 The pectoral area is only indicated by scattered blackish feath- 

 ers, being in the fall probably still more obscure, or rather re- 

 placed merely by a few dusky streaks or spots. 



Xeicly-liatched young, (taken early in July.)— These interesting 

 little creatures, two or three inches long, are very prettily 

 marked. The down of the under parts is silvery white; that 

 of the upper is rich ^reddish brown, varied with black, and 

 with curiously sharp, whitish dots of definitely rounded 

 contour, appearing like spots of mildew. Each such spot is 

 about as large as a pin's head, and, examined with a lens, is 

 seen to be the enlarged, circumscribed, brushy end of a downy 

 plume, whence several tiny bristles project. Each such plume 

 is white basally, then black for a distance, ending in the whit- 

 ish tuft. The areas thus dotted correspond, consequently, to 

 the areas of black Yariegatioa; but there is, also, a black, un- 

 dotted loral spot, frontal line, and a few other markings. The 

 bill is mostly black, very short and slender; the legs are com- 

 paratively long and stout, and appear to have been light- 

 colored. 



Nearly-fledged, not quite grouni, young, (taken late in July.) — 

 Several specimens retaining down, or traces of it, about the 

 head and neck, otherwise completely feathered. The nx^per 

 parts are much as in the adults in the breeding-season, as to 

 the colors of the variegation, but the markings are in simple 

 curved lines rather than sharp V-shaped patterns, and the 

 edgings are much narrower. The edgings of the wing-coverts 

 have an ochery cast. The interior tail-feathers have rusty 

 edgings. The throat and breast are more or less suffused with 

 pale rusty ; there is no black pectoral area, but the jugulum, 

 breast, and sides have an indefinite number of suiiused, dusky 

 markings.* 



* la Mr. Hartiug's letter iipou the subject, handed us by Professor Baird, to 

 wbom it was addressed, the following occurs, in substance ; T. crassirostris, 

 T. & S., Sci-i., M. P. n., Sclop., 1864, 2.S; Dlak., Ibis, 1862, 315-330.— Hab., 

 China, Japan, Java, Borneo. — Srx., Schccniclus magntis, Goui.D, P. Z. S., 1648, 

 .39; B. Aust., vi, pi. 33; Triiiga magna, Bp., C. E., 1856; Iringa temdrosirls, 

 Gould, Hdbk. B. Aust., ii, 1365, 230, {nee Horsf., Linn. Trans., xiii, 1820, 

 192, qua: Totanua stagnalUia, L.) "Temmick & Schlcge'l say, (?. i..,) 'This 



