222 WESTERN WILLET. 



liii'ds or were occasionally in flocks by themselves. The InrLtest flock that I saw consisted of nearly or quite 

 a hundred specimens. Many at this date were in full spring dress. 



TRINGA OCCIDENTALIS. 

 Western Sandpiper, 



DEtSCRIPTlON. 



Sp. Cn. Fcirm and general color similar to those of the Semipalmated San Ipiper. liut the size is 

 larger and the bill is longer. Young birds and autumnal specimens do not differ in color, liut spring birds have 

 the top of head and line througli eye chestnut red, but these are seldom without grayish feathers interinixed. 



OBSERVATIONS. 



This species occurs throughout Western North America, often, however, appearing on the Atlantic 

 seaboard, and is abundant in Florida during the migrations. Eggs similar to those of the Semipalmated 

 Sandpiper. 



DIMENSIONS. 

 Length, 6.80; stretch, 12.7.'i; wing. 4.1.5 ; tail, l.S »; bill, 1.00; tarsus, .!)S. 



HABITS. 

 1 have elsewhere remnrked tliat the Indian Riwr and Mosquito Lagoons are, 

 exceptino; near the inlets without true tiil3s, yet tlie w.itei- I'isas and talis in them aceord- 

 ing to the wind. Tims a north wind of some days duration, lowers the water at the head 

 of Indian River and raises it at the head of M )s juito Lagoon, while a soutli wind hlowing 

 for any length of time reverses this system. 



Aliont the first week in April, 18.SG, Ave had a strong south wind in Florida, for a 

 number of days and as a conse(pience tlie water was driven completely out of the creeks 

 which make into tlie land at the head of M;)s:|uito Lagoon, and also exposed a large area 

 of the shallow Hats at their mouths. 



This section of newly-exposed l)ottom proved ver\- attractive to the wading birds 

 and thousands of Herons, Sand] ipers, and allied species resorted to this section to feed. 

 Among this vast array of Mu-s!i birds were large floc-ks, oftL^n consisting of hundreds of 

 individuals of the Westei'u Sandpipers. They appeared to have the same general habits 

 as tlie allied specie.", ai;d I could detect no diflerence in their notes. 



TRiNGA ALPINA. 

 European Dunlin. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Sr. Cii. Similar in form and color to Tringa Americana, Red-backed Sandpijicr, but smaller. Length, 

 8.00; bill, L-iO, and the tarsus is but little, if any, longer than the niidiUe toe and claw. Occurs in Euro]ie, 

 but stragglers have reacheil Greenland. 



TOTANUS INORrJATA. 

 Western Willet. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Si;c. Sp. Cii. Similar to the Common Willet, but larger, with a decidedly longer and more slender 

 bill, less sp(jttiiigs below, and the dark markings above are less, and not regular, the middle tail feathers 



