98 AVIFAUNA COLUMBIANA. 



the Potomac and winding the turns of Rock Creek. On occasion, as 

 when fallen winged into the water, it swims and even dives to escape 

 capture, with greater facility than would be expected to be possessed 



Fig. 85. — Bill of Spotted Sandpiper, nat. size. 



by a member of this family. Its gentle "peet-weet" is one of the 

 familiar sounds along all the river courses. [638] 



185. (l~ti. ) Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.) Coues. (Actiturus bartramius of the 

 original edition.) Bartramian Sandpiper; Upland Plover; 

 Grass Plover ; Field Plover. 



A summer resident; rare at that season, and not common even during 



the migrations. Found altogether in high, dry fields and plowed lauds. 



[640] 

 186 (179.) Numenius longirostris WiU. Long-billed Curlew. 



A spring and autumn migrant, not uncommon, but remaining only 

 for a brief period at cither season. Observed in the fall about the 

 middle of September, under circumstances similar to those noted in 

 speaking of the Yellowshanks. [ G ^] 



There are several other waders of the Scolopacine and related fami- 

 lies, which from their known distribution may be expected in the Dis- 

 trict. Such are other Curlews, the Great Marbled Godwit, and several 

 Sandpipers. But we have warrant for the introduction of only those 

 here enumerated. 



Order HERODIONES: Herodian Birds. 

 Suborder HERODII : Herons. 

 Family AKDEIDiE : True Herons. 



ISY. (.100.) Ardea herodias Linn. Great Blue Heron; "Blue Crane." 



To be found at intervals during the late summer and early fall months 

 along the river; but it is not common, and we know of no instance of 

 its breeding here. [055] 



188. (159.) Herodias egretta (Cm. ) Cray. Great White Egret. 

 Occasionally seen along the river during late summer and early fall 



months, but rare and irregular. Specimens have been obtained. [658J 



189. (158.) Garzetta candidissima (Cm.) Bj>. Little White Egret. 



Not uncommon about the marshes of the Potomac toward the end of 

 summer and early in the fall. [G59] 



