‘68 BIRDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA 
246. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Ereunetes pusillus.) 
This eastern. species is a rare migrant in our State and 
breeds in the Arctic regions. Mr. F. A. Patton of Artesian took 
specimens in Miner County in 1896. 
It is one of the small Sandpipers, averaging slightly over 
six inches in length. Toes webbed at base; upper parts black 
and gray; belly white, with breast slightly mixed with black; 
tail ashy gray. 
248. SANDERLING (Calidris leucophaea.) 
Another of the Shore Birds seen only in migration. Un- 
like its near relatives it has only three toes, and these are not 
partially webbed, as in the others. It is eight inches long in- 
cluding a bill one inch long. Above, spotted with rusty, black 
and white; under parts white except breast, which is tinged with 
rusty brown. 
249. Marsiep Gopwirt (Limosa fedoa.) 
One of the largest of the Shore Birds which probably 
still nests in the State, but not so frequently as in earlier days. 
Length, eighteen inches, including a slightly curved bill of four 
inches; back reddish brown; tail barred with black; under parts 
much lighter and also barred with black. 
251. Hupsontan Gopwir (Limosa haemastica.) 
This Godwit is smaller than the Marbled, being only about 
fifteen inches long, including a three and one half inch bill, which 
is slightly curved upward. Above, black, gray and buff: below 
grayish, barred with rufous and black; usually ocherous on the 
belly. 
In the early days it was probably an abundant breeder in 
South Dakota and at present it may occasionally be found nest- 
ing, but its natural environment is being rapidly plowed up or 
tramped down by stock. 
It feeds mostly in shallow water or along muddy shores. 
254. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS (Totanus melanoleucus.) 
This “Snipe” is fourteen inches long, including a two inch 
bill. Legs very long, slender and yellow; upper parts grayish 
black, margined with white; tail barred with black and white; 
