MARBLED GODWIT 
249. Limosa fedoa. 19 in. 
Bill long and slightly recurved. Back, wings and tail, 
rufous, barred with black; rump usually white, with 
black bars; underparts pale rufous with narrow bars; 
head grayish, with black streaks on the crown and 
sides. Young similar, but whiter below and with few 
or no bars. These large waders are found in moderately 
large flocks both in the interior and on the coast in the 
fall. They frequent salt marshes on the coast, and the 
borders of ponds and lakes in the interior. They are 
much hunted and are consequently very wary, usually 
taking wing as soon as anyone appears in sight. They 
are readily decoyed, and thousands perish annually at 
the hands of sportsmen. They are known by many 
names, Marlin and Straight-bill Curlew probably being 
the most commonly used. 
Range.—Breeds in the interior from Iowa north to 
Saskatchewan. Winters south of the U. 8., migrating 
along both coasts as well as in the interior. 
