550 REVIEWS AND BOOK NOTICES. 
The number of valid species of woodpeckers has been consid- 
erably reduced, only twenty-three being enumerated, including 
Colaptes hybridus, and omitting Campephilus imperialis as extra- 
limital. Picus Canadensis, Harrisi and Auduboni are united tovi- 
losus as varieties; Gairdneri with pubescens; Picoides Americanus — 
with tridactylus of Europe; Sphyrapicus nuchalis and ruber with © 
varius. On p. 588, vol II, speaking of Conurus Carolinensis and 
the singular confusion, still existing in regard to its breeding habits, 
etc., Prof. Baird remarks that ‘‘in view of their very limited area 
and rapid diminution in numbers, there is little doubt but that 
their total extinction is only a matter of years, perhaps to be con- 
summated within the lifetime of persons now living.” ae 
The third volume begins with the Raptores, the systematic pe : 
tion of which is by Mr. Ridgway. Here, again, many of tie: 
allied boreal forms of North America and Europe are united a$ | 
geographical races of the same species, and in our opinion with 
great justice.* Fifteen species of owls are enumerated. Tt seems 
to be definitely settled that Myctale albifrons Cassin is the pa 
of N. Acadica. Three principal varieties of Scops asio ee 
Floridana, Maccalli and Kennicøtti. The dimorphic condition® — 
this species and Glaucidium ferrugineum (as well as other exu% 
limital species) is well compared to the melanistic state of certam 
hawks, in the one case reddish, in the other a more or Jer 
sooty brown being the color. Spheotyto hypogæa of eer : 
Central America is given as a race of S. cunicularia of 2 
America. 
The Falconidæ comprise thirty-one species. 
rule applies to the allied races of hawks as well as owl 
as compared with those of North America, namely, t% “entire 
latter the size is greater and the color much darker. : This? 
division is particularly interesting, many new facts 1B © gv 
the breeding habits, ete., of these birds, brought to light gees 
eral recent travellers in the Northwest, being published T s 
the first time. The synonymy of the North American 8” 
*¥For example, the following are now given as the specific name ot o í 
:— Nyctale Tengmalmi var. Richardsoni; Nyctea Scandiaca Vit aril 
BaD kts ee OF I ee 
es 
Se oh Ee Pl ae 
The same gener 
s of Barer 
that in the 
