- House Wren
House Wren Most Americans seem to have fallen in love with the House Wren. It could not be his beauty for he lacks the distinctive markings found on other birds, even other wrens. Even in good light you see only a small grayish-brown bird with lighter underparts. It is surely not his size for he is smaller than a sparrow. His song is a sort of spontaneous outburst of notes which give you more quantity than quality, with a liberal helping of scolding notes, so it is not his vocal efforts. He is not a good bird neighbor for he often punctures the eggs of other nesting birds in his area. It must be his independence that has won him favor. No other bird finds such an assortment of nesting boxes, all sizes, shapes and colors, some homemade, others purchased. Some he will use, while others offer no attraction. He may pass up a well-placed wren house to build in the pocket of an old coat hung in a shed. He likes boxes 8 to 10 feet above ground, not hidden by limbs. He prefers low shrubs, piles of brush or wood, or even open spots in heavy timber, for there he finds the insects and small spiders which form the major part of his food. Most of his hunting is either on or near the ground while nesting sites are seldom above 12 feet. He runs to large families and more than one brood is reared. - Bronzed Grackle
Bronzed Grackle Almost everyone who lives or has traveled any place east of the Rocky Mountains has seen this bird. The chances are they call it a blackbird, for most people do. From his appearance, they are right. Since there are a number of different species of blackbirds, this one should be examined more closely. When you see him walking around your yard, you will notice he is larger than a Robin, has a wedge-shaped tail and yellow eyes. The male often shows a keel-shaped tail, when flying. The plumage is iridescent and may show green, blue or purple. Those who live along the Atlantic coast refer to these birds as Purple Grackles, a name which is becoming popular for both the eastern and western types. Grackles gather in huge flocks and can do much damage to unharvested crops. In mixed flocks, grackles show a more even flight pattern than most blackbirds. - Bobwhite
Colinus virginianus This chunky little brown quail is popular in every region where he resides. Hunters spend thousands of dollars each year in pursuit of this feathered bombshell. Farmers appreciate having such an active ally in their fight against the hordes of insects which menace their crops. They enjoy hearing his cheerful whistle as they go about their daily chores. Birders are happy to know this is one bird which offers no problem for they can list him by either sight or sound. Anyone can point with pride to this bird’s good character for the male can, and often does, take charge of the brood, teaching them how to exist in a hostile world. - Red-headed Woodpecker
Melanerpes erythrocephalus If all birds wore contrasting colors like the Red-headed Woodpecker, identifying birds would be easy. You just can’t miss on this one—the red head and neck, white under parts, blue-black back and tail, black wings with a broad white patch. The young show a grayish-brown head but the white wing patch gives you the clue. These beautiful birds once were common and nested from the Gulf of Mexico to the southern edge of some Canadian provinces. Recent years have shown a decline in their numbers, probably due to Starlings taking over their nesting cavities before the woodpeckers can rear their broods. Another factor is their destruction by speeding automobiles. These birds feed on flying insects, and often drop down on our highways in pursuit of grasshoppers. Motor cars and some drivers have no respect for wildlife, no matter how beautiful or beneficial. - Balanoglossus clavigerus . (Young specimen, greatly enlarged)
In the adult state, this animal reaches a length of 20 cM. It is said to emit light by phosphorescence. The species depicted lives in the Mediterranean Sea at 1 or 2 fathoms. The ovoid anterior section of the elongated, cylindrical, slimy body, the glans , is separated from the subsequent collar by a deep constriction, in which the mouth opening is located. The glans, whose large internal cavity can be filled and emptied with water through two openings, changes its shape and size; it serves, except as a suture when crawling, as a drill when digging passages in the sea bed, in which the body is usually hidden up to the mouth. The alimentary canal, in which, in addition to food, water is also absorbed, is in communion with two longitudinal series of gill pouches , which are located in the anterior or gill part of the trunk on the back. The water, which has been used for breathing, flows out through a series of about 20 fine slits on the ventral side. The widest part of the alimentary canal is in the stomach part of the trunk; it is always filled with sand, the organic components of which serve the animal as food. The tail is grooved annularly; through the terminal vent opening, the sand is ejected, which forms piles next to the opening of the corridor. - Loggerhead Shrike
Loggerhead Shrike A gray bird with a black mask over the eyes, black wings which show a white patch when flying, and a black tail with white margins, all help identify this shrike. His head seems large when compared to his trim body, he has a hooked beak, the under plumage is white. If there is any doubt, watch him fly from one perch to another. He drops down near the ground, flies rapidly and then zooms up to his next location. Another habit is flicking his tail like a Phoebe when he alights. This bird likes open fields, pastures, grassy or weedy grounds with handy perches where he can get a good view of his surroundings. He has good eyes and any small snake, mouse or grasshopper will cause him to investigate. He often hovers before striking and catches his prey with his strong beak, for his feet are not equipped with heavy claws like most predators. This also makes it necessary for him to impale his prey on thorns, barbed wire or some other pointed object where he can cut it with his sharp bill. Shrikes seem to prefer thorny trees for nesting, but will use whatever is available. Most nests are rather low and are bulky structures. These birds kill more food than they consume and would be held in better repute except for the habit of killing other birds. - Wood Thrush
Wood Thrush To know the Wood Thrush is to love him. Unfortunately he seldom visits cities unless parks or other heavily-wooded areas are found within the borders. Forests, with a plentiful undercover, offer the seclusion which this bird demands. There you will hear the flute-like tones which make this bird famous as a singer. It is not a continued effort; each series of notes is followed by a rest, allowing you to absorb the full beauty of the rounded tones—then another, but completely different series, sometimes higher, sometimes lower, but always the same pure quality. Some think the Hermit Thrush is a better singer, but the Wood Thrush is a close competitor. - Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Kingbird The Eastern Kingbird, altho slightly smaller than a Robin, is “monarch of all he surveys,” and is ready and willing to defend his territory against all comers. His happiest moments seem to be spent in chasing hawks, crows, herons or vultures and he is the first to see their approach and give the alarm. Then, like a fighter-plane, he speeds high in the air and dives on the intruder. Such aerial attacks are of short duration for the larger bird soon escapes to a safer location. He then drops back to his favorite perch, often using such quick wing-beats that he seems to be tip-toeing thru the air. This flycatcher with his white breast, dark head, back and wings, and black tail with white terminal band, is identified easily. He likes to nest around farm homes or other open country but wants a few open spots where he can perch while waiting for passing insects. People who raise bees often refer to him as a “bee-martin,” and accuse him of eating honeybees. There is little ground for this accusation for only 22 stomachs of 634 examined showed a total of 61 bees eaten and 51 of the total were drones. On the other hand, this bird eats robber flies which catch and destroy bees. Eighty-five per cent of his food consists of insects which includes grasshoppers, crickets and cutworms. - Crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitus Flycatchers can be, and often are, noisy birds. They seem to enjoy life and want the world to know how they feel about it. The Crested Flycatcher is no exception. To hear this bird at his best, stroll quietly thru some heavily-wooded area. You scarcely are aware of the flute-like tones of the Wood Thrush in the distance, drum of the Downy Woodpecker, the bubbling tones of the Carolina Wren. All is serene. Suddenly a loudly-whistled “wheeep,” followed by a series of equally loud rolling notes, shatters the air. That is the Crested Flycatcher. You might see him sitting quietly, peering intently at every leaf and branch, slowly moving his head so nothing will be missed. Then you will see the rufous tail, yellow belly, olive head and back, grayish throat and 2 wing bars. You might see the slight crest from which he gets his name. He is a trim bird almost robin size. - Myrtle Warbler
Myrtle Warbler The Myrtle Warbler is a member of a colorful family of American birds most of which are smaller than sparrows, have thin pointed bills, are more active than vireos. They are often referred to as the butterflies of the bird world. The Myrtle Warbler is presented because he is the first to arrive in spring, often before the leaves arrive to hide him from view. This 5½-inch bird has 4 yellow marks which will identify him: the crown, rump and each side of the breast. He appears darker than most warblers, being blue-gray above, white below with black marks across the breast and back beneath the wings. The white throat and 2 white wing bars offer contrast. Females and young lack the brilliant markings of the male, but the yellow rump patch will identify the birds. The white throat distinguishes this from other warblers which show a yellow rump. This bird is a migrant since he prefers to nest in the evergreens of Northern United States and Canada. He feeds on insects and larvae which infest our trees but captures many flying insects when available. Often he winters farther north than you would expect to find warblers and then feeds on small berries. Myrtle or bayberries are a favorite food and the name of the bird indicates its fondness for these berries. - Yellow-breasted Chat
Yellow-breasted Chat The Yellow-breasted Chat is not only the largest, but the most unwarbler-like of this colorful family. If you live near thickets of dense shrubbery, where brier tangles and brushy, low bushes grow in profusion, there you will find this bird. He prefers low, damp ground but does not overlook similar habitat on dry hillsides. His loud and varied song will let you know when he arrives. Each series of notes is followed by a long pause, and then another series, but on an entirely different pitch; clear-whistled notes, low grating tones, caws or reed-like tones all find a place in this bird’s song. - Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin Pine Siskins are unpredictable. Some years they are numerous, while others produce few, if any, in the same area. Food supply is not necessarily the answer, for they are erratic wanderers. These small finches seem to prefer conifers for nesting. They build a neat structure, using grass, bark or moss with a lining of finer materials. Their home is well hidden by the heavy foliage near the end of a limb. The eggs are a pale bluish-green, dotted with brown or black markings, more colorful than the pale blue eggs of the American Goldfinch. Siskins resemble goldfinches in their notes, flocking habits and size, but can be identified by the uniform, striped appearance. They have semi-concealed yellow patches near the body on both wings and tail. Goldfinches show clear breasts in any plumage. Birders have found the best clue to the identity of this bird is the long buzzy note which forms a part of his song. His notes are husky in quality. - Black and White Warbler
Black and White Warbler Warblers are an unusual family of birds. Some act like flycatchers and often feed on flying insects. Others join the vireos in searching for larvae in the thick foliage of higher trees. A few mingle with sandpipers and find their food along the banks of some small stream, while the ground-dwelling contingent share choice morsels with thrushes. The Black and White Warbler is different, for while nesting on or near the ground, he feeds on the trunk or larger limbs of trees, combining the upward movement of the Brown Creeper with reverse actions of nuthatches. His is more of a swing movement, quickly switching as if undecided whether to go up or down. Various beetles, ants, weevils, plant lice and larvae are included in his diet. This bird can be distinguished from the similar Black-polled Warbler by the white stripe down the center of the crown and the white line over the eye. Their habits and songs are different. - Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher This tiny bird, smaller than a chickadee, never seems to have a quiet moment. On first sight, one is reminded of a Mockingbird, but not from his color, for he is blue-gray above and whitish below. It might be the long tail with the black center and white sides or perhaps it is the trim build. There is a narrow, white eye ring, and the male shows a dark line above the bill. These marks are sometimes difficult to see due to the bird’s restlessness. The tail seems to be constantly in motion. Both birds utter call notes, a thin “spee” or “zpee” sound. His song itself is faint and seldom heard. These birds range from Southern Canada to Guatemala and are permanent residents in some states bordering the Gulf, but sporadic in their northern range. - Bactrian Camel
Bactrian Camel - American Merganser
Mergus merganser Many birds have developed beaks which help them secure their food. The American Merganser is no exception. His beak is long and narrow and both mandibles are edged with sharp, pointed teeth which are inclined backward. The tip is covered by a nail or hook designed for catching and holding fish which form the major portion of this duck’s food. These birds are expert divers and the entire flock soon joins one of its members which has located a school of fish. Both rough and game fish are relished. The male is a beautiful bird with his red bill, greenish-black head, black back fading to an ashy-gray rump and tail. The chest, sides and breast are white and often show a pinkish-salmon tint. Wings show a black and white pattern and the feet are red. A large streamlined duck sitting low in the water with a white body and black trim is descriptive. The female has a reddish-brown head with an elongated brushy crest, ashy-gray back and white belly. They can be confused only with the Red-breasted Merganser, but in this case, both male and female are crested and the male shows a white collar and reddish upper chest. - Bridgeworms - a) Bonellia viridis. B) Phascolosoma vulgare. C) Priapulus caudatus
The place that the Bridgeworms or Starworms ( Gephyrei ) should occupy in the system has been subject to a great difference of opinion. By some zoologists they were counted among the Echinoderms, others among the Worms, either among the Annelids or the Acanthocephalus. Bonellia viridis, recognizable by its two-winged snout, lives in the Mediterranean Sea and on the Canadian coast, hidden between gravel and rock crevices. A green dye penetrates both the muzzle and the other body. This is covered with many warts and can constrict and contract in many ways. The snout is, if possible, suitable for even greater shape changes, since it is large in size of about 8 cm. body length, more than 50 cM. can be extended far and only when contracted[ 637 ]a few cM. is long. The mouth opening is a cervical longitudinal groove at the root of the snout. Occasionally the Bonellia leaves her hiding corner and crawls over the bottom with the help of her snout, the front horns of which act as sutures. The great flexibility of the body allows it to use very narrow crevices for shelter; she is averse to full daylight, likes the twilight of the morning better. The males, which have only recently become known as such, have a completely different appearance than the females, are tiny and resemble Turbellaria. - Loaded-up Camel
Loaded-up Camel - Dromedary (standing) and Bactrian Camels
Dromedary (standing) and Bactrian Camels - A Kitten
A Kitten - Common Earthworm
Like all other Oligochaetes, Earthworms are androgynous. The genitals are usually in the 9th to 15th segments. In this same body division, the Lumbricides red blood-filled closed vasculature, which sometimes partially shimmers through the skin, has particularly wide, beating ringing vessels that connect the two large blood vessels above and below the digestive tract. A little further back, about the middle of the front half of the body, you will notice the girdle during the reproductive period, especially in spring. This organ, necessary for mating, is characterized by skin glands, which secrete a lot of mucus and is formed by swelling of the back and sides of 6 to 10 rings; depending on the species, its color varies from whitish or yellowish to red and brown. The species are also distinguished by the position of the belt; it begins between the 20th and 30th segments. The eggs are laid in a slime layer formed by glands of the belt, which surrounds the body in an annular manner; from this mucous layer, after the Worm has stripped it of itself, a cocoon with a horny wall, containing several eggs, only hatches. - Proterospongia
One of the simplest multicellular animals, illustrating the beginning of a body. There is a setting apart of egg-cells and sperm-cells, distinct from body-cells; the collared lashed cells on the margin are different in kind from those farther in. Thus, as in indubitable multicellular animals, division of labour has begun - Volvox
The Volvox is found in some canals and the like. It is one of the first animals to suggest the beginning of a body. It is a colony of a thousand or even ten thousand cells, but they are all cells of one kind. In multicellular animals the cells are of different kinds with different functions. Each of the ordinary cells (marked 5) has two lashes or flagella. Daughter colonies inside the Parent colony are being formed at 3, 4, and 2. The development of germ-cells is shown at 1. - Diagram of amœba
The amœba is one of the simplest of all animals, and gives us a hint of the original ancestors. It looks like a tiny irregular speck of greyish jelly, about 1/100th of an inch in diameter. It is commonly found gliding on the mud or weeds in ponds, where it engulfs its microscopic food by means of out-flowing lobes (PS). The food vacuole (FV) contains ingested food. From the contractile vacuole (CV) the waste matter is discharged. N is the nucleus, GR, granules. - Surinam Toad (Pipa Americana) with Young Ones Hatching out of Little Pockets on her Back
In the case of the thoroughly aquatic Surinam Toad (Pipa), the male helps to press the eggs, perhaps a hundred in number, on to the back of the female, where each sinks into a pocket of skin with a little lid. By and by fully formed young toads jump out of the pockets. - Elegant Flower Polyp ( Floscularia ornata ), at 200-fold enlargement.
Elegant Flower Polyp ( Floscularia ornata ), at 200-fold enlargement. Ornamental Flower Polyp ( Floscularia ornata ) depicted is a representative of a last large family, known as Tube inhabitants ( Tubicolariae), since they are, at least for the most part, surrounded by a shell. The most remarkable phenomenon they offer is the very strong modification of their gear. On five conical protrusions from the head edge one sees bundles of long hair, which do not deserve the name of cilia, because they are stiff and almost immobile. Almost in the funnel of the mouth is the ring of cilia, which supplies food to the animal. This is surrounded by a fine, jelly-like tube, into which it, like the members of related genera, can retract by sliding the foot together. - Dromedary Camel
Dromedary Camel - Camel
Camel - Twisted Lime worm ( Serpula contortuplicata )
In the Serpulacees ( Serpulacea ), the gills are located entirely at the front end of the body; the cilia that coat her cause a current to flow into the water, which supplies food to the mouth opening immediately below it. The head segment is not separated from the mouth segment, as is the case with most other Ringworms, but has grown together with it. - Four-horned turtle bearer
Four-horned Tortoise ( Noteus quadricornis ), at 300-fold magnification. We choose as an example the four-horned turtle bearer ( Noteus quadricornis ) of the family of turtle animals ( Loricata ), characterized by the hard, shield-shaped armor surrounding their compressed body from top to bottom. In our species, it is gracefully carved from the front and fitted with 4 horn-like protrusions. The front part of the body is covered with a soft skin and can be completely retracted under this armor. When swimming and eating, the animal unfolds its radar organ; this consists of two half-saucer-shaped, fleshy lobes, which are retracted by muscles and can be pushed out of the body cavity by squeezing blood; its free edge is set with a series of delicate eyelashes, which randomly vibrates the animal; the whole gear then makes the impression of two wheels on many Rotary animals, which rotate quickly on their axis. - Spiny Hermione ( Hermione hystrix )
One of the most common species in the Mediterranean. These Worms have a very graceful, glistening appearance, after being rinsed from the dirt, which usually covers their bodies in large quantities, by repeated rinsing. However, the beautiful Hermione's thorns are more fearful than those of the Porcupine ( Hystrix), there barbs hold them back in the skin with which they come into contact. Predatory fish do not care much about these weapons. - An Eight-Armed Cuttlefish or Octopus Attacking a Small Crab
These molluscs are particularly fond of crustaceans, which they crunch with their parrot's beak-like jaws. Their salivary juice has a paralysing effect on their prey. To one side, below the eye, may be seen the funnel through which water is very forcibly ejected in the process of locomotion. - The Locust
Sometimes millions of locusts come upon the wind, and devour every green thing, so that nothing is left for man or beast. - Locust
There has already been talk of the plague of the intestinal worms and their expulsion by Kusso; the higher standing insects occur in the highlands in large quantities only in the warmer season, but are driven back into the lower lying areas by the cold rains. The locusts , Amharic Anbasa, often cause great damage, as in the other Nile countries.