THE BIRD BOOK 



231. DowiTciiER. MdcrorJidniphus griseus. 



Range. — North America, most abundant in 

 the eastern parts; breeds in the extreme north, 

 and winters from the Gulf States to Northern 

 South America. 



This species is 

 commonly known 

 as "Red-breasted 

 Snipe" in late 

 spring and sum- 

 mer because of 

 the rich, rusty 

 red coloration of 

 the underparts, 

 and as "Gray- 

 back in winter 

 because of its 

 color at that sea- 

 son. They are very common along the Atlan- 

 tic coast during the Spring migration; they 

 can be easily identified by their very long 

 bills, which are over two inches in length and 

 nearly one quarter the length of the whole 

 bird. They nest during June, placing their three or four eggs in a slight hol- 

 low, which may or may not be lined with dried grass or leaves. The eggs have 

 a greenish or brownish buff color and are boldly marked with dark brown. 

 They do not differ greatly from those of the Snipe. Data. — Mackenzie River, 

 June ''7. 1900. Four eggs in a hollow in the grass, lined with dead grass. Col' 

 lector. Walter Ralne. 



Grenish buff 



t-yV^'io 



Dowitcher. 



LOON. 



144 



