HIMANTOPUS MEXICANUS : BLACK-NECKED STILT. 1 83 



The case of this bird, probably the longest-legged 

 feathered biped in proportion to the size of its body, 

 is quite similar to that of the Avocet, so far as its pres- 

 ence in New England is concerned. It is simply a 

 straggler, though it is known to have occurred oftener 

 than the Avocet has been ascertained to have done — 

 for, as we have seen, there are only three unexceptionable 

 records in the case of the 

 latter species. Nearly every 

 writer upon our New Eng- 

 land birds refers to the 

 Stilt, but in terms that leave 

 their remarks open to objec- 

 tion, and the earlier authori- 

 ties on the subject may be 

 passed over. I have learned 

 of no Connecticut occur- 

 rence. For Massachusetts, 

 Mr. Maynard has usually of 

 late been quoted as author- 

 ity. This writer says that 

 he was " assured by gunners and others," that it was occa- 

 sionally seen along the sandy beaches (Nat. Guide, 1870, 

 p. 143). This authority is cited by Allen (Am. Nat., iii, 

 1870, p. 638 ; and Bull. Essex Inst, x, 1878, p. 23), who 

 also brings up the testimony of Mr. Boardman, to the 

 effect that the latter saw, some years previously, in the 

 Boston market, two specimens which he was assured had 

 been taken in Massachusetts. The only positive and 

 unequivocal case that has come to my knowledge is that 

 given by Mr. Boardman, of a specimen taken at Calais, 

 Maine, in 1862 (Pr. Bost. Soc, ix, 1862, p. 128). For New 

 Brunswick, see Chamberlain, Bull. Nutt. Club, vii, 1882, 

 p. 105. 



Fig. 42. — Black-necked Stilt. 



