BAY-BIKDS. 287 



and the anterior ones connected at the base by 

 webs, the inner being slightly webbed. 



WiLLET. 



Semipalmated Tatler. 

 Toianus Semipalmaius, Lath, 

 Scolopax Semipalmata^ Wils. 



This is a fine, large, and beautiful bird ; the 

 sharply distinct white and black of its wings con- 

 ti'asting admirably with the reddish-brown tints of 

 the marlin and sickle-bills with which it often 

 associates ; it stools well, flying steadily, and often 

 returning after the first, and even second visit ; but 

 even when fat, it is tough and ill-flavored. It con- 

 gregates in large flocks, and reaches the Middle 

 States on its southern journey in the latter part of 

 August. Its cry is a fierce wild shriek, which is 

 rarely, if ever, accurately imitated ; but it responds 

 to the call of the sickle-bill, and when once headed 

 for the stools, rarely alters its course. In exposed 

 situations it is shy and difticult of approach, like 

 most of the shore-birds, which, although they come 

 up so unsuspiciously to the decoys, are wary of the 

 gunner, and rarely permit him to crawl within 

 range of them. 



" Specific Character. — Secondaries and basal part 

 of the primaries white ; toes connected at base by 

 broad membranes. Adult with the head and neck 

 brown, intermixed with greyish-white ; breast and 

 sides of the body spotted, and waved with brown 



