REOURVIROSTRA AMERICANA. (i05 



May, 1868, and was again seen swimming in the alkaline ponds along the 

 southern shore of Great Salt Lake, in June, 1869. 



Family RECURVIROSTRID^— Avocets and Stilts. 



ReCURVIROSTRA AMERICANA. 

 American Avocet. 



Becurmrostra americana, Gmelin, Syst. Nat., 1, 1788, 003. — Cassin, iu Baird's B. 



N. Am., 1858, 703.— Baibd, Cat. N. Am. B., 1859, No. 517 CouES, Key, 



1872, 147, tig. 159; Chock List, 1873, No. 407; Birds N.W., 1874, 400.— Hen- 

 SHAW, 1875, 448. 



This abundant bird is confined chiefly to the vicinity of the alkaline 

 ponds or lakes, where it is usually found in the most barren places, or 

 where the bare earth is covered chiefly with an alkaline efflorescence. At 

 the Soda Lakes, on the Carson Desert, it was particularly abundant, and 

 appeared to be feeding on a, kind of insect thrown by the surf upon the 

 beach. It was not met with in the Sacramento Valle}', ])ut was first seen 

 at the Truckee Meadows, where it was abundant in Jidy in some alkaline 

 marshes. Its local names are "Lawyer" and "Yelper" in most locaHties 

 where it is known. 



List of upecimens. 



811, <J afl.; Boda Lake, Carson Desert, Nevada, June 28, 1808. 18— 29a— (?)_7. 

 Bill deep black; iris, burnt-umber; tarsi and toes, asby-blue. 



812, eggs (4) ; 813, eggs (3) ; 814, egg (1). Same locality and date. Eggs depos- 

 ited in depressions in the alkaline deposit. 



1071, <? ad.; near Salt Lake City, May 29, 1869. 18i|— 30i. Bill, deep black ; 

 iris, brown ; legs and feet, plumbeous-blue. 



1107, (? ad.; Antelope Island, Salt Lake, .Juue 5, 1809. iSi— 31. Same re- 

 marks. 



1218, 1219, 1220, 1221 (eggs); Carriugton Island, Salt Lake, June 17, 1809. (Col- 

 lected by Mr. R. N. Davis and Mr. S. Watsou.) 



