DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Genus Melanerpes. Swainson, Fauna Boreali Americana, Birds, p. 316. Melanerpes thyroideus. (Cassin), Proc. Acad. Philada., V., p. 349. (1851.)

Form. Short and compact; bill moderate, strong; upper mandible with the ridge (or culmen) very distinct, and short ridges over the apertures of the nostrils; wing rather long; third primary longest; tail moderate, graduated, with all its feathers somewhat rigid; two middle feathers longest.

Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 8¾ inches; wing, 5¼; tail, 3¾ inches.

Colors. Male.—Breast with a large semi-circular patch or transverse belt of black; middle of the abdomen yellow; head above and throat pale brown, with obscure longitudinal lines and spots of black; back, wing coverts, sides of the body, and inferior coverts of the tail, transversely striped with white and black, the former tinged with obscure yellowish; rump and superior coverts of the tail white; a few feathers of the coverts with irregular bars of black on their outer webs; quills black, with spots of white on both edges; tail black, with irregular spots of white; bill and tarsi dark. Female.—Similar to the male, but with the colors more obscure, and the black of the breast of less extent and not so deep in shade.

Hab. California and New Mexico. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus., Washington city.

Obs. Somewhat resembles in form only the Red Woodpecker of western North America (Melanerpes ruber), but is larger and differently colored. It also in some respects resembles the yellow-bellied Woodpecker (Picus varius), but not so much as to render it necessary for differences to be specially designated. It is possible that this species, when perfectly mature, or in spring plumage, may assume more brilliant colors, as do others of its genus.

We regard this bird as singularly blending the characters of genera which in typical species are very distinct and easily defined. It is of the general form of Melanerpes, though not strictly; while in some other respects, especially in colors, it shows an alliance to that group of typical Picus, which includes Picus varius, and several other American species. Our present arrangement or generic designation is provisional only.

CARDINALIS SINUATUS.—Bonaparte.
The Texan Cardinal Bird.
PLATE XXXIII. Male and Female.

In our present plate we present to the reader one of the most delicately colored of the many fine-plumaged birds which inhabit the southwestern countries of this Republic, and it is another of the birds of Mexico whose range of locality northwardly extends to within the limits of the United States. Our bird is, however, resident in Texas, or of but limited migration during the coldest season. It has occasionally been observed in considerable numbers; but is as yet to be met with in comparatively few collections, and is much valued by collectors.

Though not very closely resembling the beautiful Cardinal bird of the Northern States (Cardinalis virginianus), its general form, particularly its lengthened and handsome crest and long tail, are strictly similar, and its habits are of the same general character. The bill, however, in the present species will be found to be singularly different from that of any other bird of this genus.

The group of birds to which that now before us belongs, is composed of four or five species remarkable for their graceful forms and very showy colors, all of which inhabit North and Central America. In addition to the attractions of their plumage, these birds possess very considerable powers of voice, though by no means entitled to be ranked as songsters. The Cardinal bird, known also by the names of Virginia Nightingale and Red Bird, is the only species inhabiting the States north of Texas, and is frequently met with at all seasons in the States on the Atlantic. It inhabits, for the greater part, low and damp woods, in which there is a profuse undergrowth of bushes, and is particularly partial to the vicinity of water-courses. The male, on account of the splendid vermilion of his plumage, always attracts attention; and though rather shy and careful in exposing himself, is frequently shot by gunners for no other purpose than the possession of such a handsome bird.

The colors of our northern Cardinal bird are vermilion, with the throat black. In Mexico, there is found another beautiful species, singularly resembling in form and color that to which we have just alluded, but wanting the black throat. It differs also in the shape of the bill and some minor characters.

The bird now before the reader was originally described as a bird of Mexico, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, by Charles Lucian Bonaparte, Prince of Canino, one of the most accomplished zoologists of Europe, and held in deservedly high estimation in this country, on account of his splendid volumes on American Ornithology. His specimens were obtained near the city of Mexico.

Plate 33
The Texan Cardinal bird
Cardinalis Sinuatus (Bonaparte)

Within the limits of the United States, this species was first observed by Capt. J. P. McCown, of the United States Army, at Ringgold Barracks, in Texas. Since that period, it has been noticed and specimens brought in collections by several of the naturalists, who have accompanied expeditions sent by the government, though never, so far as we have learned, out of the State of Texas.

To Captain McCown we are indebted for the following note respecting this species, for which and many similar favors we beg to tender our acknowledgements.

“This handsome species was occasionally seen on the Rio Grande, having apparently a strong partiality for damp and bushy woods; and in fact so far as I observed never venturing far from the river. I cannot speak positively, but am under the impression that it remains in Texas during the whole year, having seen it so late in the fall, and again so early in the Spring, that if not constantly resident, its migration must at any rate be very limited. It is a gay, sprightly bird, generally seen in company with others of the same species, frequently erecting its crest, and calling to its mate or comrades, though rather shy and not easily approached. Its voice and general habits appeared to me as very similar to those of the common species of the Northern States. I never saw its nest, though it undoubtedly breeds in Texas.”

During his late connection with Lieut. Williamson’s expedition, this bird was noticed by Dr. Heermann, from whose beautiful specimens, through his kindness, our plate has been prepared, and who has allowed us to make the following extract from his Journal:—

“After leaving Teusoa, we observed the first specimen of this bird but little beyond the crossing of the San Pedro river. It was in a dry caignau, perched on a bush, and seemed weary and lost, and was probably a wanderer, as no more were observed until we reached El Paso. At this place, in the vicinity of the habitations of man, we found it quite common, frequenting the hedges and trees, and continued to see it occasionally on our road until we left civilization behind us. Raising its crest erect as it moves actively about in search of food, it emits at intervals a clear, plaintive whistle, varied by a few detached notes. It is said to be quite common on the Rio Grande river and in Mexico.”

This species was also found in Texas by Mr. John H. Clark, zoologist, attached to the Mexican boundary surveying party. In Mexico, particularly in the States of Tamaulipas and Nueva Leon, Lieut. Couch observed it in considerable numbers.

Our figures, which are those of the adult male and female, are rather less than two-thirds of the size of life.