28 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 



Cathartes atratus. 



This species was observed in summer too freqnentl}' to be con- 

 sidered as merely a straggler, though it is far less abundant here 

 than on the coast of the next State southward. Numbers were 

 seen March 22d, 1810 (their first appearance that year) ; and in 

 November of the same year I saw many near New Berne, N. C. 



Zensedura carolinensis. 



Resident ; abundant ; begins to flock in August, and so con- 

 tinues until April. 



Ortyx virginianus. 



Casually on the island, which is not entirely suited to its wants ; 

 plentiful in the vicinity. 



Cliaradrius virginicus. 



Common during the migration, particularly in October and 

 November. 



Aegialitis vociferus. 



Abundant, especially during the migration, but observed at all 

 seasons, and probably resident, though not known to breed. 



Aegialitis semipalmatus. 

 Aegialitis melodus. 



These two species come and go together, and are usuall}^ found 

 in company ; but the first named much outnumbers the last. 

 They become very plenty in April, and so continue through that 

 month and the next, after which none are to be seen until the 

 latter part of August. In September and October they are again 

 plentiful, and remain in scarcely diminished numbers until cold 

 weather, frequenting all the water-edges with several other small 

 waders. Before leaving in the spring, they come into perfect dress, 

 with very brightly colored bill and feet, and the brilliant ring 

 around the e3^e. All the colors are duller in the fall, although 

 even at that season adults are easily distinguished from the birds 

 of the year. The two species are easily told apart at any distance 

 by the paleness of ^. melodus, which closely resembles the winter 

 condition of the sanderliuo-. 



Aegialitis wilsouins. 



The characteristic species of the family ; summer resident ; 

 breeding abundantly. 



[May 2, 



