98 



Distinctions. Similar to the Curlews in general appearance but bill slightly turned 

 up instead of decisively turned down. Distinguished from the Hudsonian Godwit by fine, 

 dark marbhng on the pinkish buff of the primaries. 



Field Marks. The Godwits are among the largest of our Shore Birds, practically 

 equal to the Curlews in size. The bill not turned down will distinguish them from the 

 Curlews. 



Distribution. Breeds in the prairie provinces including some cultivated regions, 

 migrates to both oceans, occurring casually in the eastern parts of the Maritime 

 Provinces. 



Never abundant in eastern Canada, this species is being sadly reduced 

 in numbers like other large birds. Doubtless its habit of nesting within 

 cultivated areas has had considerable to do with its disappearance. 



251. Hudsonian Godwit. fr. — la baege de la baie d'hudson. Limosa hoemas- 

 tica. L, 15. In spring — upperparts, dark-brown to crown, marked with more or less 

 greyish or buffy and touches of rusty; underparts, reddish-brown, more or less barred 

 with dark and suffusing up foreneck. Autumn — upperparts unmarked brownish-grey; 

 underparts, buffy-white or dingy white, breast greyer. 



Distinctions. Distinguished from the Curlews by the shghtly turned up instead of 

 distinctly turned down bill; from the Marbled Godwit by the red underparts in spring, 

 and at all seasons by the all dark, white shafted primaries without marbling. This species 

 shows almost endless variations between the above plumages, but suggestions of the spring 

 coloration are usually recognizable in aU except young birds. 



Field Marks. Large size, straight or shghtly turned up bill, and white rvunp at base 

 of black tail, will separate this from either the Curlews or the Marbled Godwit which are 

 the only species that are hkely to be confused with it. 



Distribution. Breeds in the northwest beyond civihzation. Most common eastward 

 from the prairies to the Maritime Provinces in autumn, and in the interior in spring. 



The Hudsonian Godwit is a fine bird on the verge of extinction. 

 As frequently happens, it seemed to disappear suddenly and before its 

 growing scarcity was realized. It is doubtful whether shooting is altogether 

 responsible for this condition. When a species is greatly reduced in numbers 

 by any cause, an otherwise comparatively unimportant adverse influence 

 may suffice to snuff it out unexpectedly. Protection is ineffective when 

 delayed so long that the breeding stock is too greatly reduced for recovery. 



254. Greater Yellow-legs, greater tell-tale. fr. — la grand chevaller a 

 pieds jattnes. chevalier ou pattes jatjnes. Totanus melanoleuciis. L, 14. A 

 rather large Shore Bird. Upperparts to crown dark brown to black with small white or 

 grey markings and intrusive greyish feathers, giving a grey effect; without trace of buff 

 or rufous. Underparts white, streaked on foreneck, breast, and flanks with distinct 

 streaks or bars of the same dark colour as on the back; legs very long and yellow. 



Distinctions. Size, yellow legs, and lack of any indication of buffy or rusty anywhere 

 are marks of the two Yellow-legs. In young autumn birds the breast and neck marks 

 may be veiled and indistinct. This and the next species distinguished only by size. 



Field Marks. Long, slender yellow legs, entire lack of ochraceous colour, size, and 

 the lal"ge amount of white or whitish on tail and rump. When once acquainted with it, 

 its flight is quite recognizable. 



Distribution. Breeds in high latitudes across the continent. In the east, south 

 to Anticosti island and the north shore of the gulf of St. Lawrence; conunon in migrations 

 throughout eastern Canada. 



The Greater Yellow-legs is one of the best known Shore Birds. Owing 

 to its size and comparative numbers it is much sought after by sportsmen 

 and it seems to have withstood their attacks better than many other 

 apparently equally well-adapted species. It prefers marshy shores and 

 mud to open sand and may be seen far out on the flats wading about, 

 thigh deep, in water too deep for smaller waders. Its clear flute-Hke 

 tremolo whistle in a descending scale is a sound to accelerate the pulse 



