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

10. Maxilla, or upper jaw (Maxilla).

11. Mandible, or lower jaw (Mandibula).

12. Ramphotheca. The horny covering, or sheath of the jaws.

13. Rhinotheca. The covering of the upper jaw.

14. Gnathotheca. The covering of the lower jaw.

15. Cere (Cera, or Ceroma). A skin at the base of the maxilla, in certain birds. (In birds without a horny sheath to the bill, the cere may be considered as extending to its very tip.)

16. Edges of bill (Tomia). The margins of upper and lower jaws where they come in contact. We have thus a

17. Maxillary tomium, and a

18. Mandibular tomium.

19. Gape or Commissure (Commissura). The junction of the tomia, or of the two bills.

20. Ridge (Culmen). The upper outline of the bill when viewed laterally; extending from base of bill to the

21. Tip (Dertrum).

22. Keel (Gonys). The lower outline of the bill viewed laterally; extending from the angle of the chin to the tip.

23. Angle of the chin (Angulus mentalis). The point where the two branches, or rami, of the lower jaw

24. (Gnathidia, Rami) unite, thence to be continued to its tip as the

25. Myxa (Symphysis).

26. Malar region (Regio malaris). The outside of the base of lower jaw; usually covered with feathers.

27. Angle of the mouth (Angulus oris). The angle formed by the mandible and maxilla; the posterior boundary of the gape or commissure, the tip of bill being the anterior.

28. Nostrils (Nares).

29. Head, as restricted (Caput). The head, exclusive of the bill.

30. Cap (Pileus). The whole top of head from the base of bill to nape.

31. Crown (Vertex). The highest central portion of the top of head (between the ears).

32. Sinciput (Sinciput). The anterior half of cap (from bill to middle of crown).

33. Occiput (Occiput). The posterior half of cap, (from middle of crown to the nape).

34. Forehead (Frons). From base of bill to crown (usually anterior to line of eye).

35. Nape (Nucha). See 49.

36. Frontal points (Antiæ). The two projecting feathered angles of the forehead embracing the base of the culmen, or included between the frontal angle of the maxilla and the angle of the mouth (not always present).

37. Mastax (Mastax). The side of the fore part of the head, adjacent to the base of the maxilla, and distinguished by its feathers or its color.

38. Capister (Capistrum). The anterior portion of the head all round the base of the bill.

39. Lore (Lorum). Narrow space between the bill and the eye, on each side.

40. Ophthalmic region (Regio ophthalmica). Space round the eye.

41. Orbits (Orbita). The innermost portion of the ophthalmic region immediately adjacent to the eye.

42. Cheeks (Genæ). See Malar region.

43. Eyebrow (Supercilia). A longitudinal stripe immediately above the eye.

44. Temples (Tempora). Whole side of the head behind the eye or between the eye, top of head, and the ear.

45. Parotic region (Regio parotica). Space around the ears.

46. Chin (Mentum). Space embraced between the branches of lower jaw.

C. The Neck (Collum)

47. Neck (Collum). The part connecting the head and trunk, enclosing the neck vertebræ.

48. Hind-neck (Cervix). The upper or posterior portion of the neck, from occiput to back.

49. Nape (Nucha). The portion of hind neck nearest the head.

50. Auchenium (Auchenium). The portion of hind neck nearest the back, the “scruff” of the neck.

51. Fore-neck (Guttur). The inferior or anterior portion of neck, from the chin to the breast.

52. Throat (Gula). The upper part of fore neck, or that nearest the chin.

53. Jugulum (Jugulum). The lower part of fore neck, between the throat and the breast. (Divided into upper, middle, and lower.)

54. Side neck (Parauchenium). The sides of the neck, between the front and the hind neck.

55. Collar (Torques). A ring of any kind encircling the neck.

D. The Trunk (Truncus)

56. Trunk (Truncus). That portion of the body enclosing the viscera and intestines, and carrying the neck and head at one end, the tail at the other, as also the four limbs.

57. Back (Dorsum). The portion of the upper surface of the trunk, from the neck to the rump, and corresponding to the dorsal and sacral vertebræ.

58. Upper back (Interscapulium). The upper portion of the back, or along the dorsal vertebræ; between the shoulder-blades, and opposite the breast, sometimes called dorsum anticum.

59. Lower back (Tergum). The lower portion of the back along the saeral region, from the upper back to the rump, and opposite the belly, sometimes called dorsum posticum.

60. Rump (Uropygium). The portion of the upper side of the trunk corresponding to the caudal vertebræ.

61. Mantle (Stragulum; Pallium). The back and the outside of the folded wings taken together.

61½. Ventral region (Regio ventralis). Under side of body, including breast and abdomen.

62. Breast (Pectus). The most anterior portion of the lower surface of trunk, representing the region of the sternum or breast bone (between the jugulum and the abdomen).

63. Abdomen (Abdomen). The under side of body, between the breast and the anal region.

64. Epigaster (Epigastrium). The anterior portion of abdomen, next to the breast.

65. Belly (Venter). The hinder portion of the abdomen, next to the anal region or crissum.

66. Anal region (Crissum). The region around the anus, below the tail, and opposite to the rump. Frequently includes under tail coverts.

67. Flanks (Hypochondria). The sides of the soft parts of the body.

68. Humeral region (Regio humeralis). The anterior portion of the sides; that in which the wing is implanted.

E. The Tail (Cauda)

69. Tail (Cauda). The feathers forming the posterior extremity of the body, implanted on the os coccygis, or rump bone.

70. Tail feathers (Rectrices). The long individual feathers belonging to the tail.

71. Tail coverts (Calypteria). The feathers overlying and covering the base of the tail feathers; the

72. Upper (superiores) being those above, and

73. Lower (inferiores) those below; sometimes concealing or projecting beyond the tail.

Note.—Tegmina (73½) are coverts in general, whether of wing or tail. Calypteria are tail coverts. Tectrices (83), wing coverts.

F. The Wings (Alæ)

74. Wings (Alæ). The anterior pair of limbs of the bird, used in flight.

75. Primary quills, or quills of the first series; Hand-quills (Remiges primariæ). The (usually) ten stiff feathers inserted on the hand or first joint (metacarpus and digit), or from the bend of the wing to the tip.

76. Secondary quills or quills of the second series; Arm-quills (Remiges secundarii; Pennæ cubili). The inner quills, or those inserted along the posterior edge of the forearm or cubitus. The innermost of these quills, sometimes longer or different from the rest, are frequently called tertials. (Pennæ tertiariæ.)

77. Bend of the wing (Flexura, Plica). The angle of junction of the hand-joint and that of the forearm.

78. Armpit (Axilla). The under side of the insertion of the wing into the body.

79. False or Bastard wing (Alula). A series of several stiffened feathers on the edge of the wing, overlying and exterior to the primary quills, and inserted on the thumb joint of the hand.

80. Scapulars (Pennæ scapulares). Stiffened feathers inserted on the shoulder-blade or the insertion of arm (humerus), and filling up the interval between the secondary quills and the body.

81. Axillars (Pennæ axillares). Similar feathers connecting the under surface of the wing and the body, and concealed in the closed wing.

82. Speculum, or Mirror (Speculum alæ). A brilliantly colored portion of the wing especially in the ducks, over the extremities of the secondary quills, and framed in on one side (in the closed wing) by the primary quills, or the other by the scapulars.

83. Wing coverts (Tectrices). The smaller feathers of the wing. The

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.