Elliott Coues

Elliott Ladd Coues (September 9, 1842 – December 25, 1899) was an American army surgeon, ornithologist, naturalist, professor of anatomy, bibliographer, historian, author, and associate editor of The Auk. He was elected in 1877 a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and in 1878 a Member of the American Philosophical Society.

Quotes

The opossum's form is adapted to the execution of numerous and varied movements, but not fitted for great strength, sustained effort, or rapid progression. The animal is sluggish, usually moving slowly and deliberately; its fastest pace is a kind of amble, when both legs of the same side are simultaneously moved, as is also the case when it is walking more slowly; it has not been observed to trot or lope. It is plantigrade, and the body is usually carried so low as to barely clear the ground.
- (1872) . "On the osteology and myology of Didelphys virginiana". Memoirs of the Boston Society of Natural History III: 41–149. (quote from p. 41)

Almost immediately upon riding by the telegraph wire, I noticed a dead lark; and as I passed several more in quick succession, my attention was aroused. The position of the dead birds enabled me to trace cause and effect, before I actually witnessed a case of the killing. The bodies lay in every instance nearly or directly beneath the wire. A crippled bird was occasionally seen fluttering along the road. Becoming interested in the matter, I began to count, and desisted only after actually counting a hundred in the course of one hour's leisurely riding — representing perhaps a distance of three miles. Nor was it long before I saw birds strike the wire, and fall stunned to the ground ...
- (1876) . "The American Naturalist: An Illustrated Magazine of Natural History" X: 734–736. (quote from 735)

The Robin is a great eater of berries and soft fruits of every description; and these furnish, during the colder portions of the year, its chief sustenance. Some of the cultivated fruits of the orchard and garden are specially attractive; and no doubt the birds demand their tithe. But the damage done in this way is trifling at most, and wholly inconsiderable in comparison with the great benefit resulting from the destruction of noxious insects by this bird. ... It has been found, by careful and accurate observations, that a young Robin, in the nest, requires a daily supply of animal food equivalent to considerably more than its own weight!
- Birds of the Colorado Valley: A Repository of Scientific and Popular Information Concerning North American Ornithology. Passeres to Laniidæ. Part first. Issue 11 of Miscellaneous publications (Department of the Interior, United States Geological Survey of the Territories). U.S. Government Printing Office. 1878. p. 12. (807 pages)