370 BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



wing, they are known by their long yellow legs, stretched out 

 behind them to steer their flight. It has been said, that when 

 one was shot its companions Avould gather round it ; but, like 

 other creatures, their sympathy is principally vocal, and seldom 

 indulged at any risk to themselves. 



The Solitary Tattler, Totanus chloropygius, is seen in 

 Massachusetts in the autumn, on its way from the north where 

 it breeds. Dr. Richardson says that it makes no nest, but lays 

 its eggs on the naked beach or the gravel. It is very unsuspi- 

 cious ; and when it takes wing, returns to the same place after 

 a wheeling flight, and contents itself with occasional glances at 

 the observer. The solitary habits, however, from which these 

 birds derive their name, protect them ; since their numbers are 

 too small to tempt the sportsman. When so wounded as to be 

 unable to fly, they take to the water to save themselves by 

 swimming and diving. Nuttall says that two of these little 

 birds frequented the fish pond in the Botanic garden at 

 Cambridge, in search of the insects which feed on the water 

 lily ; these they secured by stepping lightly and with expanded 

 wings over the leaves which rested on the water. 



The Spotted Tattler, Totanus macularius, is one of our 

 most common birds from May to October. From its note, it is 

 called the Peet-weet, which is its familiar name. It is seen 

 about creeks and rivers, flying in winding sweeps and sounding 

 its clear whistle. When the young are added to the company, 

 they keep up a constant call to each other, so that the whole 

 region is eloquent with the sound. They usually breed in 

 meadows, in nests made of the grass, slightly arranged for the 

 purpose, with a lining of hay. Sometimes they lay directly 

 on the ground. The eggs are four, cream-colored, with spots 

 of brown. The female practises the same arts with the quail, 

 to secure her young, and they, when alarmed, trust to their 

 color, and remain motionless on the ground. 



Bartram's Tattler, Totanus Bartramius, is a bird first de- 



