O4 _. THE GAME BIRDS 
the pebbly beaches, but they are often taken 
upon the marshes and upon the low sand 
flats and bars. 
They are one of the most conspicuous shore 
birds, and once seen will be easily recognized. 
Their flight is very rapid, and, while on the 
wing they incessantly repeat their short, 
sharp, whistling note, which is especially 
hard to imitate, but they are not very shy, 
and will come down to almost any of the 
shore-bird decoys. I never tried to eat them 
but once, and was not favorably struck by 
their flavor, which resembles that of fish oil. 
108. AMERICAN OYSTER CATCHER. 
Hematopus palliatus. 
Predominant color smoky-brown, with 
black head and neck. Under parts white, 
and the wing bears a conspicuous white patch. 
(There is a variety on the Pacific coast, ZH. 
niger, whichis entirely black.) Bill 3 to 4 
inches long, varying in every specimen, and 
often thin on the end and bent to one side, 
from its constant use in opening the shells of 
mollusks; coral red, yellow tipped. Feet 
and legs livid. Eyes and eyelids red. 
Length 18 to 21 inches. Extent 380 to 36 
inches. Said to be non-edible, although I 
can see no reason why it should be so, as 
they feed almost entirely on shell-fish. 
