164 BAY-BIRDS. 
and the anterior ones connected at the base by 
webs, the inner being slightly webbed. 
WILLET. 
Semipalmated Tatler. 
Totanus Semipalmatus, Lath. 
Scolopax Semipalmata, Wils. 
This is a fine, large, and beautiful bird; the 
sharply distinct white and black of its wings con- 
trasting admirably with the reddish-brown tints of 
the marlin and sickle-bills with which it often 
associates ; it stools well, flying steadily, and often 
returning after the first, and even second visit ; but 
even when fat, it is tough and ill-flavored. It con- 
gregates in large flocks, and reaches the Middle 
States on its southern journey in the latter part of 
August. Its cry is a fierce wild shriek, which is 
rarely, if ever, accurately imitated; but it responds 
to the call of the sickle-bill, and when once headed 
for the stools, rarely alters its course. In exposed 
Situations it is shy and difficult of approach, like 
most of the shore-birds, which, although they come 
up so unsuspiciously to the decoys, are wary of the 
gunner, and rarely permit him to crawl within 
range of them. 
** Specific Character.—Secondaries and basal part 
of the primaries white ; toes connected at base by 
broad membranes. Adult with the head and neck 
brown, intermixed with greyish-white ; breast and 
sides of the body spotted, and waved with brown 
