Articles

Lory is the name of certain birds, mostly from the Moluccas and New Guinea, which are remarkable for their bright scarlet or crimson coloring, though also applied to some others in which the plumage is chiefly green.

The name of the Long-Eared Owl is derived from the great length of his “ears” or feather-tufts, which are placed upon the head, and erect themselves whenever the bird is interested or excited. It is the “black sheep” of the owl family.

They call me the Golden Pheasant, because I have a golden crest. It is like a king’s crown. Don’t you think my dress is beautiful enough for a king? See the large ruff around my neck. I can raise and lower it as I please.

Night wanderer,” as this species of Owl has been appropriately called, appears to be peculiar to America. They are quite scarce in the south, but above the Falls of the Ohio they increase in number, and are numerous in Virginia & Maryland.

What a beautiful creature this is! A mounted specimen requires, like the Snowy Owl, the greatest care and a dust tight glass case to preserve its beauty. Dr. Coues’ account of it should be read by those who are interested.

Why this duck should be called red-breasted is not at first apparent, as at a distance the color can not be distinguished, but seen near, the reason is plain. It is a common bird in the United States in winter, where it is found in suitable localities.

Quite a long name for such small birds—don’t you think so? You will have to get your teacher to repeat it several times, before you learn it. These little yellow warblers are just as happy as the pair of wrens I showed you in April “Birds.”

This is an American bird, and has been described under various names by various authors. It is found in the lower parts of Pennsylvania and in New England, particularly in autumn, when the berries of the sour gum are ripe.

I have just been singing my morning song, and I wish you could have heard it. I think you would have liked it. I always sing very early in the morning. I sing because I am happy, and the people like to hear me.

I am a Toucan and I live in a very warm country. See my handsome black coat and my yellow vest. My toes are like a parrot’s, two in front and two behind. They help me to hold to the limbs. Look at my large beak. It looks heavy but it is not.

My home is on an island where it is very warm. I fly among the tall trees and eat fruit and insects. See my beautiful feathers. The ladies like to wear them in their hats. The feathers of my wife are brown, but she has no long tail feathers.

Resplendent Trogons are natives of Central America. There are fifty kinds, and this is the largest. A systematic account of the superb tribe has been given by Mr. Gould, the only naturalist who has made himself fully acquainted with them.