BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 369 



with the red back, though in flocks apart from each other. 

 They are found in the salt marshes near Boston, and are consid- 

 ered better eating than any other of the small birds. 



The Semipalmated Snipe, Totanus semipalmatus, is not com- 

 mon in Massachusetts, though it is found near Boston, and oc- 

 casionally breeds near New Bedford. It is known by the name 

 of Willet, a sound resembling its usual cry. It is a shy and 

 artful bird, and not approached by the fowler without cunning 

 equal to its own. It makes its nest on the ground in the 

 marsh, constructing it with the coarse grass which grows on 

 the spot ; it contains four eggs, of a yellowish olive, blotched 

 and speckled with dark umber. In the autumn, the young are 

 known by their grey color, and are marked out by the fowler 

 as excellent game. They come to us before the end of April, 

 and return before winter to the southern states. 



The Tell Tale, Totanus vociferus, whose name is given 

 in consequence of its habit of sounding an alarm to all birds 

 within reach, whenever the fowler is nigh, and thereby saving 

 many ducks from the fate that would otherwise await them. 

 In Massachusetts they are uncommon ; though they sometimes 

 touch upon the capes in considerable numbers, it seems only a 

 stop for the purpose of resting in their migration. 



The Yellow Shanks, Totanus flavipes, is a common sum- 

 mer resident in this State. Its breeding place extends from the 

 middle states to the high northern regions : but common as the 

 young birds are, the nest has not yet been found in our borders. 

 Its breeding place in Nova Scotia is found in the grass on the 

 edges of ponds and rivers. The bird resides chiefly on flats 

 and marshes, and is seldom seen at any considerable distance 

 from the sea. Their food consists of small fish, aquatic insects 

 and worms. It is a shy bird, which often gives an alarm to 

 others that are less on their guard : but they do not associate 

 with other birds, though often seen near them. When alarmed 

 they run to some distance before they fly ; when they take 

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