A History of North American Birds, Land Birds. Volume 3

84. Upper (superiores), side above or outer. The

85. Lower (inferiores), below, or inside, and overlying the bases of the quills. These and the quills form the surfaces of the wings.

86. Primary coverts (Tectrices primariæ). The feathers, which either

87. Upper or

88. Under overlie the bases of the primary quills. These are on the upper or under surface of the wing; not often distinguished in descriptions.

89. Secondary coverts (Tectrices secundariæ). The feathers which, as

90. Upper and

91. Under, cover the bases of the secondary quills, on the upper or under surface of the wings, being generally those referred to as “coverts.”

92. Greater coverts (Tectrices majores). The longest coverts projecting beyond the rest, and resting directly upon the bases of the secondary quills.

93. Lesser coverts (Tectrices minores). The succession of many series of small feathers beginning at and covering the anterior edge of the wing, very small at first and increasing in size behind.

94. Middle coverts (Tectrices mediæ). One or more rows of coverts, intermediate in size as well as position, between the lesser and greater coverts.

95. Edge of the wing (Campterium; Margo carpi). The small feathers covering the anterior edge of the wing, both along the forearm and the hand or first joint, including the bend of the wing.

G. The Legs (Pedes)

96. Legs (Pedes). The posterior pair of limbs inserted in the pelvis, and used in walking or running.

97. Thigh (Femur). The basal joint of the leg, its head articulating with the pelvis. This is generally imbedded in the flesh, and covered by the skin so as not to be appreciable, especially in the prepared specimen.

98. Shin (Tibia). The second or middle joint of the leg, articulated above to the thigh, below to the tarsus. The upper part, sometimes the whole, is enveloped in flesh, and covered by skin and feathers; sometimes the lower extremity is covered by horny plates, the

99. (Cnemidium).

100. Foot joint (Podarthrum). The junction of the tarsus below with the foot.

101. Podotheca (Podotheca). The horny or skinny covering of lower tibia, tarsus, and feet.

102. Knee (Genu). The junction of the thigh with the leg, usually concealed by the skin.

103. Heel joint (Suffrago). The junction of the leg with the tarsus.

103½. Tarsus (Tarsus). The third joint of the leg and next to the tibia; covered generally with horn, sometimes with naked skin or feathers, never with flesh; the toes are articulated to its lower extremity. This joint corresponds to the ankle joint of the human body.

104. Instep, or Front of tarsus (Acrotarsium). The anterior face of the tarsus, usually covered by small plates, which in the higher groups are united into one; sometimes covered by skin.

105. Side of tarsus (Paratarsium).

106. Back of tarsus (Planta tarsi). Homologically the Sole (Planta).

107. Heel (Calcaneus; Talus). The upper posterior extremity of the tarsus.

108. Spur (Calcar). Any bony sharp process or spine implanted on the tarsus, as in the rooster.

109. Scutellæ (Scutella). The succession of small, usually rectangular plates, applied against the anterior face of the tarsus, and the upper surface of toes. These sometimes encircle the tarsus completely, meeting on the inner side; sometimes reach half round with similar half-rings on the back side of the tarsus; are sometimes divided into polygonal plates; are sometimes fused into a continuous plate, either anteriorly or laterally. Modifications of structure in this respect indicate differences in rank and systematic position of the highest value.

110. Scutellate tarsus. When the tarsus is covered with transverse or polygonal scales, as described above.

111. Booted tarsus. Where the anterior face is covered with a continuous horny plate not divided into scutellæ.

112. Foot (Pes). The toes and tarsus taken together.

113. Top of foot (Acropodium). The entire upper surface of the foot.

114. The track (Pelma). The entire lower surface of the foot.

115. Heel pad (Pterna; Tuber). The posterior portion of the pelma, immediately under the joint of the foot, and frequently prominent.

116. Toes (Digiti). The, usually four, sometimes three, very rarely two, articulated portions of the leg hinged on the lower extremity of the tarsus. When all four are present, one is usually behind, sometimes two before, and two behind.

117. Top of toes (Acrodactylum). The upper surface of the toes individually.

118. Soles of toes (Hypodactylum). The lower or plantar surface of the toes individually.

119. Side of toes (Paradactylum). The sides, in any way distinguished from the soles.

120. Phalanges. The several bones composing a toe.

121. Claw (Ungues). The horny tips sheathing the last joint of the toes.

122. Claw joint (Rhizonychium). The terminal bone of the toe, carrying or armed with the claws.

123. Pads (Tylari). The swellings or bulbs on the under side of the phalanges. Those Toes are

124. Anterior which are directed forwards;

125. Posterior, directed backwards;

126. Exterior, on the outer side of the foot;

127. Interior, on the inner side of the foot; the

128. Middle toe is the central of three toes directed forwards.

129. Hind toe (Hallux). The single toe directed backwards. This is homologically the first or great toe directed backward. It is

130. Insistent (insistens), when the tip at least touches the ground, but the base raised above the level of the rest;

131. Incumbent (incumbens), when its whole under surface touches the ground; and

132. Elevated (elevatus; amotus), when raised so high that the tip does not touch the ground at all.

133. Unarmed toe (Digitus muticus). Toe without a claw. The tarsus is unarmed when without a spur.

134. Fringed toe (Digitus lomatinus). A lateral membranous margin to the toes. This

135. Fringe (Loma) may be

136. Continuous (continuum), or

137. Lobed or Scolloped (lobatum).

138. Membrane (Palama). A skin either soft or covered with scales or feathers connecting two adjacent toes together at the base, and sometimes extending to or beyond their tips. The foot so constructed is called

139. Palmate (palmatus) when the anterior toes only are so connected and

141. Oared (Steganopus), where all the toes, including the hinder, are so connected in the cormorants, etc. The feet may be half, or semipalmate; entirely or totipalmate.

Note. In the usual arrangement of the toes, of three before and one behind, the hinder corresponds to the great toe of man, or the first; the inner anterior is the second; the middle is the third; and the outer is the fourth. When the toes are in pairs or two before and two behind, it is the outer or fourth toe that is turned backwards, as is the woodpeckers. In the Trogons, however, the inner toe is reversed. With scarcely an exception in birds, the hinder or first toe has two joints; the inner (2d) has three; the middle (3d) has four; and the outer (4th) has five, or a formula of 2.3.4.5. In the typical Caprimulgidæ the outer toe has only four phalanges the formula being 2.3.4.4. Finally, in some Cypselidæ (Cypselus and Panytila), we have the middle and outer toes with three joints only each, the formula being 2.3.3.3. When there are but three toes, the hinder or first is wanting; the ostrich (Struthio) has but two toes, lacking the first and second.

H. The Outer Covering (Indumentum)

142. Outer covering (Indumentum; Ptilosis). The exterior of the bird in detail.

143. Feathers (Plumæ). Composed of the stem and the webs.

144. Stem (Scapus). The entire central axis of the feather.

145. Quill (Calamus). The hollow horny basal portion of the feather.

146. Shaft (Rhachis). The solid terminal portion of the stem in which the fibres are implanted.

147. Webs (Pogonia). The series of fibres implanted on each side the shaft, generally stiff, and having little

148. Hooks or barbules along the edges, by which adjacent ones interlock; sometimes soft, with the barbules not interlocking, the barbules sometimes wanting. The

149. Inner web (Pogonium internum) is situated on the inner side of the shaft; the

150. Outer (externum), on the outer side.

151. Vane (Vexillum). The shaft and webs taken together, or the portion of the feather left when the barrel or quill is cut away.

GLOSSARY

GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN DESCRIPTIVE ORNITHOLOGY

Including a number of prominent Anatomical and Physiological Terms(Prepared by Dr. Coues.)

Note.—The number in parenthesis refers to the foregoing “Explanation of Terms,” etc. The sign (´) marks accent; n., noun; a., adjective; pl., plural; gen., genitive.

A

Abdo´men or Ab´domen, n. Belly; part of gastræum between sternum and anus. (63.)

Abdom´inal, a. Pertaining to the belly.

Abduc´tion, n. Act of carrying a limb away from the axis of the body. Opposed to adduction. Muscles so acting are abductors.

Aber´rant, a. Deviating from ordinary character.

Abnor´mal, a. Of highly unusual, extraordinary character; deformed; monstrous.

Abor´tive, a. Suppressed; remaining or becoming imperfect. The nostrils of the cormorant are abortive.

Acar´ides, n. pl. Certain external parasites.

Accip´itrine, a. Hawk-like; belonging to Accipitres.

Acclimatiza´tion, n. Naturalization, with reference to the effect of a new country upon the economy.

Acetab´ulum, n. Pelvic cavity for reception of head of femur.

Achil´lis (tendo), n. Tendon of principal extensor muscle of foot.

Acic´ular, a. Needle-shaped; sharp and very slender.

Acrodac´tylum, n. Top of toes collectively. (117.) (Little used.)

Acro´mion, n. Process of the scapula.

Acropo´dium, n. Entire upper surface of foot. (113.) (Little used.)

Acrotar´sium, n. Front of tarsus, corresponding to the human instep. (104.) (Little used).

Acu´minate, a. Tapering gradually to a point.

Acute´, a. Sharp-pointed.

Ad- (in composition). To; towards.

Adduc´tion, n. Act of drawing a limb toward axis of body. Muscles so acting are adductors. Compare Abduction.

Ad´enoid, a. Glandular; glandiform.

Ad´ipose (tissue), a. for n. Cellular tissue holding fat in special vesicles.

Adoles´cence, n. Youth.

Adre´nal (body), a. for n. A small organ capping the kidney.

Adult´, a. or n. Grown to full size; mature.

Ægithognath´ous, a. Having the palate bones disposed as in a sparrow or other passerine bird.

Af´ferent, a. Bringing to or towards. Opposed to efferent.

Affined´, a. Joined or related by affinity.

Affin´ity, n. Quality of direct relation; conformity; agreement. Morphological affinity implies relationship by genetic descent; teleological affinity cannot be properly predicated.

Af´ter-shaft, n. Scape or stem of the supplementary plume springing from many feathers, or, oftener, such plume itself.

Al´a, n.; pl. alæ. Wing; the anterior limb of birds. (73.)

A´lar, a. Pertaining to the wings.

Alat´us, a. Winged.

Al´binism, n. State of whiteness, complete or partial, resulting from deficiency or entire lack of pigment in the skin and its appendages.

Albi´no, n. An animal affected with albinism.

Albinot´ic, a. Affected with albinism.

Albu´men, n. Transparent glairy fluid of which white of egg mainly consists.

Albu´minous, a. Containing or consisting of albumen.

Alimen´tary, a. Pertaining to the digestive organs or nutritive function.

Alisphe´noid, n. “Wing,” or expanded part of sphenoid bone.

Allanto´is, n. A certain organ of the embryo.

Al´lex, n. Same as Hallux (which see).

Al´trices, n. pl. Birds reared in the nest and fed by the parents.

Altric´ial, a. Having the nature of Altrices.

Al´ula, n. Literally, little wing. The bastard wing, composed of the feathers that are set on the so-called thumb.

Al´ular, a. Pertaining to the bastard wing.

Alve´olus, n. Socket, particularly of a tooth.

Al´vine, a. Pertaining to the lower belly (said chiefly of intestinal discharges).

Am´bulatory, a. Same as Gradient (which see).

Am´nion, n. A certain organ of the embryo.

Amo´tus, a. Denoting the hind toe so elevated and short that the tip does not touch the ground. (132.)

Amphiarthro´dial, a. Denoting a sliding joint, or one capable of mixed movement.

Amphicœl´ian, a. Said of a vertebra when both ends of its centrum are cupped. Corresponding terms are procœlian, cupped in front, and opisthocœlian, cupped behind.

Ampul´la, n. A certain cavity of the inner ear.

A´nal, a. Pertaining to the anus; situated about the anus.

Analog´ical, a. Having analogy; related by analogy.

Anal´ogy, n. Quality of likeness in certain (generally superficial or inconsiderable) respects, between things essentially unlike. There may be analogy entirely without homology, as between the wing of a bird and of a butterfly.

Anastomo´sis, n. Inosculation or intercommunication of two or more vessels.

An´atine, a. Duck-like.

Anchylo´sis or Ankylo´sis, n. Restriction or loss of motion in a naturally movable joint; also, any coössification.

An´conal, a. Pertaining to the elbow.

Angle of Chin = Angulus Menti. (23.)

Angle of Mouth = Angulus Oris. (27.)

An´gulus O´ris, n. Corner of the mouth; equivalent to commissural point.

An´notine, n. A bird one year old, or which has once moulted.

An´nular, a. Ringed.

An´nulus, n. Ring.

Anom´alous, a. Extremely irregular; very strange or unusual; contrary to natural order (nearly synonymous with abnormal).

An´serine, a. Pertaining to the Anseres; goose-like.

An´te- (in composition). Before; as, anteocular, anteorbital, etc.

Anterior, a. Forward; in front of.

Anterior Portion. (7.) See Stethiæum.

Anterior Toes. (124.)

An´ti- (in composition). Against.

An´tiæ, n. pl. Frontal points; projections of feathers on either side of base of culmen. (36.)

Antibrach´ium, n. Cubit or forearm.

A´nus, n. Outlet of refuse of digestion. In birds, the same orifice discharges the products of the genito-urinary organs.

Aor´ta, n. The first great artery, immediately issuing from the left ventricle of the heart.

Aor´tic, a. Pertaining to the aorta.

Apertu´ra, n. An opening; as, apertura auris, ear-opening.

A´pex, n.; pl. apices. Tip or point of anything.

Apohy´al, a. A portion of the “horn” of the hyoid bone.

Aponeuro´sis, n. Broad, strong, fibrous membrane or band; fascia.

Apoph´ysis, n. Any natural bony prominence of notable size.

Apposed´, a. Mutually fitted, adapted; set over against; meeting closely and exactly. The tomia of the bill are usually apposed.

Apte´rium, n.; pl. apteria. Tract of skin where no feathers grow. Compare Pteryla.

Aquat´ic, a. Pertaining to the water; said of birds frequenting water, and thence drawing subsistence.

A´queous, a. Watery. Said of the fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye. See Vitreous.

Aq´uiline, a. Eagle-like; belonging to the Aquilinæ.

Arach´noid, n. One of the three enveloping membranes of the brain, between the dura mater and the pia mater.

Arbor´icole, a. Tree-inhabiting.

Arch´etype, n. Original plan or idea of structure, modified or lost by subsequent specialization.

Archetyp´ical, a. Having the primitive pattern or original plan of structure.

Arc´uate, a. Bow-shaped; bent regularly and gradually.

Are´ola, n.; pl. areolæ. Small naked space on the feet between scales.

Are´olar Tissue. The light cellular connective tissue of the body.

Armil´la, n. Ring of color, like a bracelet, around lower end of crus.

Arm´pit, n. (78.) See Axilla.

Arte´rial, a. Pertaining to arteries; as, arterial system, arterial blood.

Ar´tery, n. Vessel conveying blood from the heart.

Articula´tion, n. A joining together; joint.

Artic´ulus, n. Joint of a finger or toe (commonly used to signify the hinge itself, but better to designate any one of the segments joined by articulation).

Artifi´cial, a. Elaborate; skilfully or artfully contrived. Some birds build highly artificial nests. Also, arbitrary; as, an artificial classification, more or less at variance with that which a natural system may be.

Ar´tus, n.; pl. artus. Any member, limb.

Aryt´enoid, a. Denoting certain ossicles of the larynx.

Ascar´ides, n. pl. Certain intestinal parasites.

Ash or Ash´y, a. Pale gray.

Aster´nal (ribs), a. Denoting “floating” ribs; those not joining the sternum.

Astrag´alus, n. One of two proximal tarsal bones of birds, early confluent with the tibia.

Asymmet´rical, a. Uneven; disproportionate as to opposite, as right and left, parts.

Asym´metry, n. Disproportion of duplicate parts or organs, or of those which are repeated on opposite sides of a plane or axis.

At´avism, n. Reversion, or tendency to revert, to characters of ancestral stock.

At´las, n. First cervical vertebra, articulating with the occipital bone.

Atres´ia, n. Closure.

At´rophy, n. See Hypertrophy.

Atten´uate, a. Growing gradually slenderer toward an extremity; or, narrowly produced for a long distance; in neither case necessarily sharp-pointed, which would be rather acuminate.

Attyp´ical, a. Of particular character acquired in specialization from a common type.

Auche´nium, n. Lower back part of neck; the scruff. (50.) (Little used.)

Au´ral or Auric´ular, a. Pertaining to the ear.

Au´ricle, n. The external ear; wanting or imperfect in birds. Also, cavity (right and left) of the heart receiving blood from the system and lungs; also called atrium.

Auric´ulars, n. pl. Peculiar feathers overlying the ear-opening.

Autoch´thonous, a. Indigenous.

Autog´enous, a. Literally, self-producing. In homology, developing from distinct and independent centres. Opposed to exogenous.

Au´topsy, n. Personal observation or examination.

Autop´tical, a. Personally inspected.

Autum´nal Plum´age. That ensuing from the first moult, if any, or prior to the spring moult, from which it is different in many birds.

A´viary, n. Place where birds are kept captive.

Avic´ula, n. Little bird; hence, nestling, fledgling, or any ungrown bird.

Avicul´ture, n. Care of birds.

A´vis, n.; pl. aves. Bird.

Axil´la, n. Armpit; hollow beneath the shoulder. (78.)

Ax´illar or Ax´illary, a. Pertaining to the armpit.

Ax´illaries, n. pl. Lengthened or otherwise distinguished feathers growing from the axillary region. (81.)

Ax´is, n. Second cervical vertebra. Also, an imaginary line passing along the middle of any one of the three mutually perpendicular planes of the body, the longitudinal, vertical, and transverse. Also, a pivot.

A´zygos, a. Single, in the sense of not paired.

B

Back, n. Upper surface of body proper, corresponding to dorsal and sacral vertebræ. Includes Interscapilium and Tergum (which see). (57.)

Back of Neck. Cervical region. Includes Nucha and Cervix (which see). Equivalent to hind-neck. (48.)

Back of Tar´sus. Hinder edge and hinder half, on each side, of tarsus. See Planta. Homologically the sole. (106.)

Band or Bar. Any crosswise color-mark, transverse to long axis of the body.

Band´ed or Barred, a. Marked crosswise.

Barb, n. Any one of the laminæ composing the vane of a feather.

Bar´ba, n. Beard. Lengthened or otherwise distinguished feathers of chin or throat.

Barbat´us, a. Bearded.

Bar´bicel, n. Barb of a barbule, not hooked. Compare Hamulus.

Bar´bule, n. Barb of a barb. (148.)

Ba´sal, a. Pertaining to the base; situate at the base.

Base, Ba´sis, n. Bottom; root; origin.

Basihy´oid, n. Central tongue-bone.

Basioccip´ital, n. Basal element of the occipital bone; centrum of hindermost cranial vertebra.

Basipter´ygoid, n. A boss or protuberance of the base of the sphenoid bone, often movably abutting against the pterygoid bone.

Basisphe´noid, n. Basal element of sphenoid bone; centrum of second cranial vertebra.

Beak, n. Bill. See Rostrum. (9.)

Bel´ly, n. See Abdomen. (65.)

Belt, n. Bar or band of color more or less completely encircling the body.

Bend of Wing. Angle or prominence formed at carpus in the folded wing.

Bev´elled, a. Having two plane surfaces meeting obliquely.

Bev´y, n. Flock of quail.

Bi- (in composition). Twice; double.

Bibliog´raphy, n. History or other account of the literature of the subject.

Bi´ceps, n. Principal flexor muscle of forearm.

Bi´nary, a. Double, in sense of compounded of two.

Bino´mial, a. Of two terms. Also, noting a system of nomenclature in which each object has two names, generic and specific. This is the generally adopted system at present.