LIST AND DESCRIPTION 65 
the time near the coast, and is only a migrant in South Dakota. 
It nests north of the United States. 
Crown dark gray; throat white; sides of neck reddish 
brown; breast rusty brown; back dark slate streaked with buff; 
belly white. The male is about seven and one half inches long, 
the female slightly larger and with more rufous plumage. 
224. Witson’s PHALAROPE (Steganopus tricolor.) 
The Wilson is larger than the Northern Phalarope and 
usually a common summer resident. In earlier years it nested 
abundantly over the eastern part of the State. Female: crown 
gray; throat light; a black line extends from the base of the bill 
down the sides of the neck, blending into chestnut brown; back 
gray patched with brown; under parts white. The male is 
slightly smaller, with duller colors and darker crown. This 
Phalarope is more terrestrial in habit than No. 223. 
FAMILY RECURVIROS. RIDAL VAVOCETS 
225. Avocet (Recurvirostra americana.) 
The Avocet, with its extremely long legs and bill and 
very small body, is an odd looking bird and certainly a true 
“wader.” During August it is fairly common in migration west 
of the Missouri River and doubtless breeds occasionally in that 
part of the State. It is about seventeen inches long from tip 
of bill to end of tail. Head and neck rufous, growing lighter 
about the base of bill; under parts white; back and wings black 
and white. The settling up of our wild land is driving the 
Avocets westward, and their breeding grounds will soon be re- 
stricted to the federal bird preserves of the western States. 
FAMILY SCOLOPACIDZ. SNIPES AND SANDPIPERS 
228. Woovcock (Philohela minor.) 
Swamps and wet woodlands are the natural environment 
of the Woodcock. It is therefore a rare visitant in South Dakota, 
migrating from the east; and yet records of its occurrence are 
rather numerous. A specimen in the University Museum was 
taken by Mr. H. E. Lee in Beadle County in 1913. 
In contrast with the Avocet the Woodcock is low and 
