698 



U. S. p. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — GENERAL REPORT. 



List of specimens. 



APHRIZA, Aud. 



Aphriza, Add. Orn. Biog. V, 1839. Typo, Tringa virgala, Lath. 



Ch Bill shorter than the head. Nostrils elongated, and rather linear. Tarsi equal to the middle toe, (which is not united 



by membrane to lateral,) transversely scutcllate anteriorly. Hind toe distinct. Tail even. 



This genus, variously placed by authors, appears to be a true plover. Its hind toe and 

 unarmed wing assimilate it to Squatarola, from -which its short tarsi, free toes, and transverse 

 scutellae in front of the tarsus readily distinguish it. 



APHRIZA VIRGATA, (Grnelin.) Gray. 



Surf Bird. 



Tringa virgalu, Gmelin, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 674.— Ib. Lath. Ind. 11, 1790, 735. 

 Jlphriza virgala, Gray, Genera, III, 1847 : pi. cxlvii. 

 Tringa borealis, Gm. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, G74. 



.Ipliriza lownsendi, Aud. Orn. Eiog. V, 1839, 249; pl.,428.— Ib. Syn. 226.— In. Birds Am. V. 1842, 228; pi. 322. 

 Sp Ch. — Bill about as long as the head, rather thick at base; nostrils large, groove very distinct in the upper mandible ; 

 wings long ; legs moderate ; tail rather long. Entire upper parts dark brown, ligliter on tlie wing coverts ; head and neck with 

 numerous spots and longitudinal stripes of dull white ; upper tail coverts white. (Quills brownish black, white at base ; tips of 

 greater coverts white ; tail with its basal half white, terminated with brownish black. Under parts white, nearly jjuro on the 

 abdomen, tinged with ashy on the neck and breast, and nearly every feather having a crescent or transverse stripe of brownish 

 black. I'ill brownish ; under mandible yellow at base ; legs dull green. 

 Total length about 10 inches; wing, 7 ; tail, 3. 

 Hab. — Pacific coast of North America? South America ; Sandwich Islands. 



This is a bird long known as inhabiting the islands in the Pacific; but as entitled to a place 

 in the North American fauna, resting entirely on the authority of the late Dr. Townsend, who 

 is represented by Mr. Audiibim as having obtained it at the mouth of the Coliunbia river. It 

 is not contained in either of the collections made by the surveying parties. 



