Not figured.
Very similar in form and general appearance to the preceding, but smaller, and with all the colors paler; bill very short and weak; gape large; wing long; first quill slightly longest; tail moderate, emarginate; tarsus feathered in front somewhat below the point with the tibia; throat white; entire upper plumage brownish-black, mottled, and variegated, with very pale cinereous, which predominates on the back, rump, and coverts of the wings; under-parts with transverse narrow bands of dark brown and yellowish-white; quills brownish-black, with a wide transverse band of white at the distance from their end of about one-third their length, and also with some irregular spots and pairs of spots of rufous in their basal halves. Female paler, and with the white of the throat tinged with pale reddish fulvous.
Dimensions. Total length, about 8½ inches; wing, 7¼; tail, 4½ inches.
Hab. Texas (Mr. Clark, Capt. McCown); New Mexico, Central America. Spec. in Mus. Acad., Philada., and Nat. Mus., Washington.
Obs. This species is nearly allied to the preceding, and also to Chordeiles brasilianus, from both of which it differs in some particulars of form, and also in having its colors much paler. In the latter character it somewhat resembles the C. acutipennis of South America. We regard this bird provisionally under the name above given, but the description as cited is too brief to be satisfactory. It is, however, the only species known to us that can be referred to it.
This bird is abundant in Texas during the summer.
3. Chordeiles Henryi. nobis (new species, January, 1855).
Not figured.
Larger than either of the two preceding species; wing long; second quill longest; tail rather long; emarginate; legs and feet short; tarsus feathered in front slightly below the joint with the tibia; bare part of the tarsus and the toes with very distinct scales; entire upper parts variegated with dark brown and pale reddish fulvous, every feather being tipped and spotted with the latter, which predominates on the back, rump, wing-coverts, and tertiaries; some spots on the tertiaries rufous; breast dark brown, every feather tipped with dull reddish fulvous; abdomen white, tinged with pale reddish-yellow, every feather with transverse stripes of brownish-black; under-coverts dull reddish white, with transverse lines of brownish-black; neck with a large band of white in front; quills brownish-black, tipped with dull reddish-white; primaries with a wide transverse band of white at about half their length; tail with alternate irregular stripes of brownish-black and pale reddish fulvous, the latter mottled with black; under wing-coverts pale reddish-white, with bands and spots of brownish-black. Female. Colors paler, and white of the neck obscure.
Dimensions. Total length of skin, about 10 inches; wing, 8; tail, 4½ inches.
Hab. New Mexico (Dr. Henry, Lieut. Gunnison). Spec. in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philada.
Obs. This bird may be distinguished from other American species by its color, which is lighter and of a different style of variegation, the prevailing tone being a dull, pale reddish and yellowish, somewhat approaching what is called buff or drab color. It is larger than Chordeiles virginianus.
Specimens of this interesting species have been procured at Fort Webster, New Mexico, by Dr. Henry, and by the unfortunate party under command of the late Lieut. Gunnison.
As a token of respect for T. Charlton Henry, M. D., of the United States Army, whose exertions in the investigation of the natural productions of New Mexico, now continued for several years, and the formation of large collections in various departments, which attest his zeal and attachment to zoological science, we propose the specific name above given.