De Witt County, Illinois - Chapter 5, 1882

Chapter 5

E apend a brief sketch on the Natural History, as relating to the animal life of this county, found here during the early settlement of the county, and probably for some years subsequent thereto The most im" portant animals indigenous to this region are the

Of the hoofed animals, one of the most prominent is the American Bison {Bison, or Bos Americanus,) which disappeared from the prairies of Illinois before the arrival of the white man, leaving, as the only evidence of its former presence, a few " buffalo wallows" in certain parts of the state. The bison is a large animal, with thick, heavy body, short, stout legs, short, black horns, and black, or brown, shaggy hair. Large herds of these animals at present roam ovir the plains at the eastern base of the Kocky Mountains. Like the mastodon and other ancient animals, the bison is destined at no distant day to become extinct. The American Elk (Cervus Americanus), next to the moose, is the largest deer of America. It is remarkable for the size of its antlers, which sometimes grow to the height of six f>-et, and W' igh from forty to eighty pounds. The animal itself is about as tall as an ordinary horse, is very fleet, and has wonderful powers of endurance. It long ago left the prairies of Illinois, and is now found in the northern parts of the United States and in British America. The deer family ( Cervidn) has had, so far as is known, only one representative in this region, viz.: the common American deer, ( Cervus Virginianu.^') which disappeared from its prairie haunts several years ago, aud is found in the mountainous regions of Missouri and the unsettled parts of other states. Its flesh is very sweet and palatable, and it is highly prized in the finest markets, where it commands a ready sale at the highest price.

The most ferocious animal of the carnivorous order, common to this country, is the wolf, which belongs to the dog family ( Canidce). There were formerly two species of this animal in De Witt county, viz.: the prairie wolf (Cajiis lalrans), and the common American, or gray wolf (Cazii's accident alis). The former is small, with long body, elongat d, sharp muzzle, smooth tongue, and like all the dog family, has five-toed fore-feet and four-toed hind ones. It formerly inhabited, in large numbers, the wild prairie regions, but latterly has disappeared from this part of the state. The latter is large, with long, slim body, long, sharp muzzle, smooth tongue, and straight, bushy tail. In years gone by the howling of these wolves was the evening sereni.de of the pioneer settlers, and foreboded havoc among the flocks of those times. A few of this species are still found in dense woodlands and unfrequented thickets on the prairies. Two species of fox {Vulpes) are found here, the common or Gray Fox {Valpes vulgaris), and the Red Fox ( Vulpes fuleus). The former are still numerous in this region ; the latter, rare. Both species are noted for their extreme cunning, and their predatory habits. Foxes are readily distinguished by their slender, pointed muzzle, long, bushy tail, and the eliptical pupil of the eye. Of the Cat family (Feliche), the only two indigenous representatives are the American wild-cat iLynx rujm), and the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis). The former was very common during the early history of this country. It was about thirty inches long, of a pale rufous color, dappled with gray, ears black on the out-ide, tail short, with black patch above the end. It was very destructive to Iambs, kids, poultr}', etc. It has, withiu the last few years, almost disappeared. The lynx was never common in Illinois, though it was (.ccisionally seen thirty years ago, and even later. It is about forty inches long, of a grayish color, streaked with black; ears tipped with a bunch of black hairs, and tail very short. It is further distinguished by having one molar less that the true cat, in each side of the upper jaw. It is extremely doubtful whether the panther (Felis pardus), ever inhabited these regions. A few individual members of this genus may have been seen here during their migrations from one place to another ; but that this animal ever had any permanent habitation in this prairie country is highly improbable. The common Raccoon (Proeynn lutor) is one of the most familiar wild animals in these parts. It inhabits the timbered regions, generally near some stream or body of water, to which it resorts for food, in the shape of craw-fish, frogs, mussels, etc. It also feeds upon roots, berries, young corn, " roasting-ears," birds, and other small animals. This animal, from the end of its nose to the tip of its tail, is about two feet long, and has a pointed muzzle, five toes on each foot, and a ringed tail. It is nocturnal in its habits, and in cold climates passes the winter in a partially torpid state. Its fur is valuable. The raccoon belongs to the family of Proeyonidre, of which it is probably the only representative in this region. There is no evidence at hand that the Bear family (Ursidw) ever had any represtatives in this county.

The Weasel family (Mustelidcc) belong to the well-known animals, minks, skunks, otters, common weasels, etc., most of which have long, slender bodies, five-toed feet, and glands which secrete a li'juid of very disagreeable odor. Otters and minks are hunted for their furs, which are very valuable. The former are amphibious, and are at present rarely seen. Th> costly fur called ermine is obtained from a weasel which inhabits the northern parts of Europe and Asia.

Weasels are brown in summer and white in winter, the tip of the tail being black. The color of minks is dark-brown, or black, throughout the year. The otter {Lidra canadensis) is black, and is noted for its size and strength. Its toes are webbed; head large and flat; ears short; tail slightly flattened, and nails crooked. It is aquatic, and subsists on fish. Minks and weasels prey on birds, poultry and small animals of various kinds. The skunk (Mephitis Americani) has a pointed nose, bushy tail, and is nocturnal. It feeds npon beetles and other small animals. It is also fond of eggs. It was very common a few years ago, but like most of the wild animals, is gradually disappearing. Of the opossum family (Didelphidida), the only species here is the common opossum {Dide/plnjs) Virginimm). Opossums are small animals, about twenty inches long to the tail, which is from twelve to fifteen inches in length, nearly bare, and prehensile. Its hair is whitish with dark-brown tips. When captured and wounded, it feigns itself dead. It is a marsupiiil, or pouched animal, and carries its young, which at birth weigh only a few grains, in a ventral pouch situated near its hind-legs. On emerging fnmi this pouch, which occurs four or five weeks from birth, the young twine their tails around that of their mother, and thus supported ride on her back. The opossum lives on birds, egg.s, insects and other small animals. This animal, like the raccoon, is found in all parts of the United States and throughout most of North America.

Rodentia, Or Gnawers

The animals of this order are easily distinguished by their teeth. In the front part of each jaw they have two chiselshaped incisors, between which and the molars is a considerable space without teeth, these animals having no canines. The largest representative of the rodents ever known in this country is the American beaver (Castor ca}iudensis), and it is very doubtful whether it at any time had permanent habitat in this county. The rats and mice (Muridw) constitute the most numerous family of the rodents. They number, in all, about three hundred species in the world.

Their uppearance and habits are too well known to require description here. The black rat (Mas rattan) was formerly very common, but of late years it has been almost extirpated by the brown, or Norway rat (Mas dccumanus), which is much larger and stronger.

Of the mice we note, as found here, the common house-mouse (3fus muscalas), the field-mouse, the meadow-mouse, the jumpingmouse (Jaculus hudsonius of ihe family JucuUdcc). - which has a body about three inches long and a tail six inches, - and the tree mouse. The musk-rat ( Ondatra zibethicus), allied to the beaver, has but one species. This animal is about the size of a cat, and has a strong, musky smell. It is amphibious, building its mud houses in ponds and shallow lakes. It is a native of North America, and is still quite common. Its fur, like that of the beaver, is valuable. The fur of the latter is used for making the finest hats.

The squirrel family (Sciraridic) is represented here by the red (fox) squirrel (Sciarus hudsoniu-<), the gray squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis), the flying-squirrel (Pteromys mluceUa), the groundsquirrel (Tamias striatas), the gopher (Spermaphilus), the prairie squirrel and the woodchuck or ground-hog {Arclomys monax,) all of which are so common that they need not be described.

Of the hare family (Leporidw), the common gray rabbit (Lepsus cunicul.us') is the only representative now inhabiting this region. It is very ])rolific, and is destined to propagate its species long after .some of the animals mentioned shall have become extinct.

Bats and moles - the former belonging to the order of animals (Chiropetra), the latter to the order (In-eetivori) - are still very numerous. Both are carniverous (insectirorous), and during hibernation are semi-torpid.

Class Of Aves, Or Eirds

In the following list of birds indigenous to the county, the old system of groups, or orders, is used rather than the new classification of birds adopted provisionally by the Smithsonian Institute at Washington. The former, as it contains fewer and less difficult technical terms, will, it is believed, be more readily understood by the general reader. The chief characteristics of all the birds belonging to each order are given first, and appended thereto are the names of such birds of the order as are indigenous to this region.

Eaptores, Or Birds Of Prey

muscles powerful; females larger than males; live in pairs and choose their mates for life (?). Under this order and belonging to the hawk family (Falconidm), are the sparrow-hawk ( Tianunculus alaiidarias) ; swallow-tailed hawk {Xauderus furcatus); hen-harrier {Cirini,s eyaneus) ; gos-hawk (Falco palambaria.s) ; sharp skinned hawk, red-tailed hawk (Buteo borealis) ; red-shouldered hawk, pigeon-hawk (Falco columbariim); white-headed (." bald ") eagle (Halielus leucocephalus ; ring-tailed, or golden eagle {Aquila chryaetos).

To the owl family (Strigida) belong the great horned-owl (Bubo Virgini:inus) \ snowy owl (Strix niia) ; barred owl (Sy)'- nium nebulosmn, or hoot-owl " ) ; American barn or screech-owl {Strix flamnue) ; spotted owl, marsh owl, Kennicott's (?J owl.

Rasores, Ok Scratching Birds

Birds of this order are characterized by their stout bodies, strong legs and feet, and their general adaptation to living on the ground. It includes the wild-turkey Meleagris gallopavo), prairie-hen ( Tetrao cupido) ruffled grouse, or " partridge " {Bonasa umbellus), quail ( Ortyx Virginiaiius) , turtle-dove ( Turlur auritiis). wild or passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratoria) .

Grallators, Or Wading Birds

These have long necks, long bills, very long and slender legs, and slender bodies. Their general form is well adapted to wading. This order includes the plover ( Charadrius), common snipe {Scolopax gallinago), American woodcock (Phi/oliela 7ninor\ Wilson's snipe {Gallinago Wilsonii), mud-hen (Futiea Americana), kill-dee (Aegialifes vocifer^is), red-breasted snipe {0ambetta melanoleuca), tell-tale snipe {Oambctta fiavipes), water-rail {Rallus aquaticus), sand-hill crane (fffits Canadensisi), blue crane {Grus Amerieanus), yellow-legged and upland plover, white crane {Grus albus), and heron {Ardea cinerea)

They are broad and flat ; feathers compact and well oiled ; legs wide apart , femur short, and feet webbed. Under this order are found the common wild-goose {Aiiser Amerieanus) summer or wood duck (Aix sponm), Canada goose {Bermieala Canadensis), American swan (Cygnvs Amerieanus), brand goose, or " brant " [Anser Bernicla), butter-ball {Bucephala albeola), mallard {Anas Boschas), blue-winged teal (Boschas crecca), American widgeon {M'ireca Americana), red-head dnck {Ayihaya Americana), canvass-back duck (?) Ayfhaya vallisneria) , green-winged teal {Nettion Carolinensis) , pin-tail duck (Dafila acida), trumpeter swan (Cygnus bnccinator).

Insessories, Or Perching Birds

The perchers differ greatly among themselves ; all have three front-toes and a single hind-one ; feet well adapted to perching. To this order belong the majority of birds, of which we note, as belonging here, the wood-thrush ( Turrfwi m"ste&t?is\ mockingbird {Mimus polygloltus), blue-bird {Sialis Wilsonii), cat-bird (Mimus Carolinensis), robin {Tardus migratnrins), brown thrush, or "thrasher" {Tardus rufus), titmouse, or chickadee {Parus atricapillus), brown creeper {Certhia familiaris), nuthatch, {Si'ta Carolinensis), winter wren {Troglodytes hyemalis), cedar bird {Ampelis cedrorum), rose-breasted gosbeak {Guiraca ludovieiana), chewink {Pipilo erythrnphthalmus), meadow-lark {Sturnella magna), blue jay (cyanura crisfata), wren (Troglodylei domesfica) warblers barn-swallow { Hirundo hordeorum), bank-swallow {Cufyle riparia), blue martin { Prague purpurea), cardiual red bird Cardinalis Virginianus), field sparrow \Spizella pusilla), indigo bird ( Cyauospiia cjanea), great northern shrike, or butcher bird, {Collurio borealis), yellow, or thistle bird {Sylvitica (estiva), swamp, or red-winged black-bird {Sturnus prelalorius), cow blackbird (cow-bird") common blackbird {Menda munca), king bird, or bee martin ( Tyranmis Carolinensis), raven {Corvus corax), common crow {Corvus Amerieanus), i-ummer red-bird, {Pi/rangra cestiva), scarlet tanager, Baltimore oriole (Icterus Baltimore), peewee, or Phu>be bird, (Sayorius Juseus), kingfisher (Ceryle afcj/on), ruby-throated humming-bird {Trocliilus colubris), yellow-billed cuckoo {Ciiculus canorus), ruby-crowned kinglet, golden-crowned kinglet, whippoorwill {Antrostomus vociferus), grass sparrow, or black-throated bunting, lark, sparrow, finch, snow-bird {J unco hyemalU), chipping sparrow [Spizella socialis), night hawk (Cliordeiles popetuc).

Scansores, Or Climbing Birds

Birds of this order have their tues in pairs, two in front and two behind. Under this order and indigenous to this county are the swift, or chimney-swallow {Cypselus pelasgim), redheaded woodpecker, ( Mclinerpes erythrocephalus) , golden-winged wooilpecker ( Calantes auratus), Carolina paroquet (Conurus Carolinensis), sap-sucker {Picus pubeseens) .

Under this class we find represented here the order Testudinata, or turtles, and including such individuals as the boxturtle {Cistudo virginea), snapping-turtle (Chelyara serpentina), wood tortoise ( Glyptemys insculpta), and soft shelled turtles, including mud-turtles. Of the order Lacertia (lizards), the common striped lizard (Ameiva sexlineata) is the only representative we have found here. Under the order ( Ophidia), or serpents, we note the common black-snake {Bascanion constrictor), watersnake (Serpens aquatieus),Tatt\e-sna.ke{Crotalushorridus'), moccasin {Toxicapkis atrapkcus), copperhead (Trigonocephalus contor- Irix), garter-snake (Eutania sirtalis), house-snake, joint-snake, blue racer, and green snake. Of these the rattlesnake, copperhead and moccasin are very poisonous, and therefore most to be dreaded. The blowing, or hissing adder, a venomous serpent, is rarely seen here.

The class Batrachia, or frogs, has as representatives, the leopard frog (Bana haleeina), bull-frog (Rma pipiens), wood-frog, treefrog (" tree-toad, ") {Ranajiyla), marsh-frog {Eana palustris), common toad {Bufo vulgaris) tadpole, salamander {Amblystoma punetatuni), triton, or water-newt {Diemictylus viridescens), and mud puppy {Menobranchus la/eralis).

The class o{ Pisces, or fishes, is represented, in the streams of the county, by the white, the black and the stribed bass, cat-fish, pike, sturgeon (rare), gar, goggle-eyed perch, sun-fish, chub, white perch (" croppie " ?), white and black suckers, bufialo and a few others of minor importance.