NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 59 



126. Pelecanus fuscus Linn. [641.] 



Broxirn Pelican. 



,,,. . Hab. Atlantic coast of tropical and subtropical America, north to North Carolina; accidental in 

 Illinois. 



This Pelican is an abundant bird, and constant resident of Florida 

 and southward into the tropical regions. It is said, when feeding, to 

 plunge for its prey like a gannet, and does not scoop them while swim- 

 ming, like the White Pelican. L,ike the white species, however, it 

 selects particular localities for breeding, and will return to them from 

 year to year. PeHcan Island, in the Indian River, Florida, is a noted 

 breeding ground, where thousands congregate for this purpose. Here 

 they breed in March and April. Mr. Stuart says they breed in large 

 communities on the islands along the Gulf coast, most always placing 

 the bulky nests in mangrove trees ; often as many as a dozen nests 

 are built in a single tree. They are made of sticks and weeds, lined 

 with grasses. Many nests are also placed on the ground. Along the 

 gulf coast fresh eggs may be found in May and June. From two to 

 five eggs are laid, three being the most common number. Six selected 

 specimens measure: 2.85x1.95, 3.02x2.04, 3.03x1.87, 3.08x1.89, 

 3.00x2.01, 3.12x1.87. They are chalky white, and in every respect, 

 except size, resemble those of the White Pelican. 



127. Pelecanus californicus Ridgw. 



California Broiirn Pelican. 



Hab. Pacific coast, from Washington Territory to Me.vico and beyond, and probably to Mexico and 

 Central America. 



The general habits, nesting and eggs of the Brown Pelican found 

 on the Pacific coast are exactly the same as those of P- fuscus. It is 

 a larger bird and has a red pouch during the pairing season. 



It is said to breed on islands on the western coast of Mexico, and 

 inland marshes. Breeds abundantly in Honduras, along the coasts and 

 in the interior. 



128. Fregata aquila (Linn.) [639.] 



Mam-o'-War Bird. 



Hab. Tropical and subtropical coasts generally; in America, north to Florida, Texas, and California, 

 and casually on the Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia. 



This great bird is known by several names, such as Frigate bird, 

 Frigate Pelican, Man-of-War's bird, and " Hurricane bird." The latter 

 name comes from the West Indies, where its appearance is said to be 

 prognastic of bad weather, always flying low just before a gale. It is 

 a maritime bird inhabiting tropical and subtropical coasts of the globe, 

 but often wanders far from its home in the tropics. A specimen, which 

 is now in the possession of Dr. Renshaw, of Sugar Grove, Ohio, was 



