192 
IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 
Tail: Exposed surface above crossed by three dark bars of the same color as 
the back, which alternate with two narrower grayish white bands with a nar- 
row tip of the same color. From below, these markings are less distinct. 
The inner webs of the outermost tail feathers show more numerous indistinct 
bars. 
Measurements: Wing, 11.62; tail, 7.18; pulmen, 1.10; depth of bill at base, 
.62 tarsus, 2.44; middle toe, 1.40. 
In his description, Mr. Ridgway says, “The melanistic plumage of Buteo 
latissimus having remained hitherto unknown, so far as the writer is aware, 
the following description is presented of a specimen recently acquired by 
the National Museum from Mr. J. W. Preston, of Baxter, Iowa. It is the only 
example which the writer has seen, or indeed heard of, except two others 
seen by Mr. Preston, as recorded farther on.” 
It is interesting to note that these melanistic birds, the one described by Mr. 
Ridgway and the one herein described, together with the two seen by Mr. 
Preston, were all in the same county in Iowa, and within an area, the diameter 
of which is not more than ten miles. 
