Birds of Toronto, Canada. Part II, Land Birds
1907; Oxford University Press; Volume: 24; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
10.2307/4070340
ISSN1938-4254
Autores Tópico(s)Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
ResumoColinus virginianus.Bob-white.-The Quail was at one time found along the north shore of Lake Ontario, certainly as far east as Port Hope (62 miles east of Toronto).Of this species the late Hon.G. W. Allen said, in 1853, "The Quail is still occasionally heard uttering its plaintive cry in autumn and winter, about our woods and fields.In former days large coveys used to remain in the stubble fields and about our barnyards, from October to March." 2 I doubt if any Quail of pure blood are left east of Lake Erie; those I have examined recently from Oakville (19 miles east of Toronto), are the descendents of imported birds and differ from the indigenous species.115.Bonasa umbellus togata.Canadian Ruffed Grouse.-Resident; formerly abundant, now not common; nest May 23, 1893.I have put our bird under this somewhat unsatisfactory form; the bird occurring north at least to Lake Nipissing is the same.116.Lagopus lagopus.Willow Ptarmigan.-A specimen taken May 15, 1897, about four miles from Whitby (29 miles east of Toronto), is in the collection of Mr. J. H. Ames; 3 there is no question about the locality being authentic.An unusually southern migration of Willow Ptarmigan took place in the winter of 1896-97, and I recorded them as far south as Lake Nipissing.4 Dr. Wm. Brodie remembers a specimen that was taken many years ago in the township of Whitchurch.Ptarmigan are referred to as frequent migrants into the townships back of Darlington (about 40 miles east of Toronto).5 117.Ectopistes migratorius.Passenger Pigeon.-Once a regular summer resident, breeding in the country between Toronto and Lake Simcoe.The disappearance of the great flocks dates back at least forty years, and by 1880 the bird was rare here; the records for 1890 are May 12, adult male; September 20 and October 11, young females; earliest record, April 13, 1891, male; birds were seen on May 16 and July 6, 1900.6 These are the last and are reliable; there is no question that the Wild Pigeon is extinct in a wild state in America to-day.
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