NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. Ill 



as being so unsuspicious as to allow a near approach. Breeds in high 

 Arctic regions, in various places in Alaska, and is spoken of by Dr. 

 Richardson as having an extensive breeding range throughout the Fur 

 Country, from the borders of Lake Superior to the Arctic Ocean. In 

 the Arctic Regions nests have been taken between the middle of June 

 and the first part of July. They were placed on the marshy borders of 

 small lakes and ponds, and were made of a few dry leaves and grasses. 

 The eggs were usually four in number. These cannot, with certainty, 

 be distinguished from those of Wilson's Snipe. They are generally 

 long, narrow, and pointed in shape; sizes from 1.62 to 1.75 long by 

 i.io to 1.15 broad. 



232. Macrorliamphus scolopaceus (SAY.) [5270.] 



Long-billed Dowitclier. 



Hab. Mississippi Valley and Western North America from Mexico to Alaska. 



This bird, whose size is larger and bill longer than that of the 

 last, inhabits North America at large, but is supposed to be rare on 

 the Atlantic coast. It is called Greater Long-beak, Greater Gray-beak 

 and Red-bellied Snipe. Breeds in the far north ; is said to be common 

 about the mouth of the Yukon and islands along the coast of Alaska. 

 In the West the birds gather in dense flocks, and they being of a gentle 

 and confiding disposition, and so closely huddled together, that great 

 slaughter may be effected by the gunner if so disposed. Eggs larger 

 and nesting same as the last. 



233 Micropalama himantopus ( BONAP.) [528.] 



Stilt Sandpiper. 



Hab. Eastern Province of North America, breeding north of the United States; migrating south in 

 winter to tropical regions. 



The Long-legged Sandpiper, of slender form and very long legs, 

 breeds north of the United States, and visits Southern localities in 

 winter ; Bermudas, West Indies, Central and South America. 



Dr. Brewer states that Mr. MacFarlane found this species breeding 

 at Rendezvous Lake, in the Arctic regions, June 27. The nests were 

 similar to all others of this family, a mere depression in the ground, 

 with a lining of a few leaves and grasses. The eggs are three or four 

 in number, pyriform in shape, with a ground color of light drab or 

 grayish-white, with bold spots and markings of chestnut-brown and 

 purplish-gray, more numerous about the larger end ; in some quite 

 confluent. Sizes vary from 1.43 to 1.46 long by 1.04 to i.io broad. 



234. Tringa canutus LINN. [529.] 



Knot. 



Hab. Nearly cosmopolitan ; breeding in high northern latitudes. Migrates far southward. 



This handsome species, so remarkable for its seasonable differences 



