412 
GLOSSARY 
Lanceolate. Lance shaped, i.e., long and narrow with parallel edges or tapering 
gradually to a point. 
Length. Abbreviated in descriptions by its initial L and given in inches and tenths 
of an inch. Length is taken in a straight line, as with dividers, from the tip of the bill to 
v .he end of the longest tail feather, the bird being laid out flat on its back and stretched just 
sufficiently to straighten the curves of the neck. 
Lores. A small spot between the eye and the base of the bill (Figure 1, page 24). 
Mandibles. The two members forming the bill; thus there is an upper and a lower 
mandible. 
Mantle. A term covering the back, shoulders, upperwing-coverts, and secondaries. 
Applied more especially to the gulls where the even colouring of these parts suggests a 
mantle covering the whole upper part of the body and closed wings. 
Mast. Soft-shelled nuts, like acorns, beechnuts, etc. 
Melanism. The opposite of albinism. It is the more or less erratic occurrence of 
very dark or black individuals in a normally lighter-coloured species. It usually occurs 
less frequently than albinism, though some species are more liable to it and it glides imper- 
ceptibly into dichromatism in some cases. Albinism usually denotes a lack of virility. 
Melanism does not seem to be an evidence of weakness and hence melanistic strains have 
better chances of surviving. A melanistic animal is said to be a Melano (See page 6). 
Nape. A small space at the back of the neck just below the base of the skull (Figure 
1, page 24). 
Neck. The space between the throat and the breast in front, and between the hind 
head and shoulders behind. It is divided into foreneck and hindneck whose meanings 
are obvious (Figure 1, page 24). 
Order. In zoological classification a group of families having strong enough mutual 
resemblance to separate them from all other groups. It is next larger than the family 
and is the largest subdivision of birds that we have to deal with in Canada ( See page 4). 
Pectinate. Furnished with comb-like teeth. In ornithology usually applied to the 
claws of some species that are so furnished (Figure 99, page 59). 
Pelagic. Living largely or almost entirely at sea. 
Pensile. Applied to nests that hang suspended like a bag between the forks of a 
branch or other such support, with nothing supporting from below. 
Primaries. The large flight feathers secured to the first joint of the wing from the 
wrist to the tip (See Secondaries). (Figure 1, page 24.) 
Race. As used here, practically synonymous with subspecies. In general, any 
group within a species exhibiting recognizable common characters differentiating it from 
others of the same species. 
Rufous. Of a red or reddish colour. 
Rump. The lower end of the back just before the root of the tail (Figure 1, page 24). 
Secondaries. The large flight feathers secured to the second joint of the wing 
between the wrist and the elbow (See Primaries). (Figure 1, page 24.) 
Slough (pronounced “Slew”). In western parlance any small pond or wet spot on 
the prairie. They are usually more or less seasonal and may be either clear, grassy, or 
reed grown. They are not necessarily quagmires. 
Species. In zoological classification the smallest constant group. It is the scientific 
term to denote what is understood in common language as a “kind of animal.” Thus a 
house cat is a species, whether Maltese, tortoise shell, or tabby; the dog, whether grey- 
hound or spaniel is another; and a horse, whether Shetland pony or draught, is a third 
(See page 5). 
Speculum. A somewhat rectangular patch of contrasting colour on the centre of 
the upper surface of the wing. It often shows metallic iridescence and is a common feature 
of coloration in some families, as in the Ducks (Figure 127, page 88). 
Stripes. In ornithological descriptions, stripes always run lengthways of the bird; 
lines across the body are spoken of as bars (See bars). 
