98 
Distinctions. Similar to the Curlews in general appearance but bill slightly turned 
up instead of decisively turned down. Distinguished from the Hudsonian Godwit by fine, 
dark marbling on the pinkish buff of the primaries. 
Field Marks. The Godwits are among the largest of our Shore Birds, practically 
equal to the Curlews in size. The bill not turned down will distinguish them from the 
Curlews. 
Distribution. Breeds in the prairie provinces including some cultivated regions, 
migrates to both oceans, occurring casually in the eastern parts of the Maritime 
Provinces. 
Never abundant in eastern Canada, this species is being sadly reduced 
in numbers like other large birds. Doubtless its habit of nesting within 
cultivated areas has had considerable to do with its disappearance. 
251. Hudsonian Godwit. FR.—LA BARGE DE LA BAIE D’HUDSON. Limosa hemas- 
tica. L, 15. In spring—upperparts, dark-brown to crown, marked with more or less 
greyish or buffy and touches of rusty; underparts, reddish-brown, more or less barred 
with dark and suffusing up foreneck. Autumn—upperparts unmarked brownish-grey; 
underparts, buffy-white or dingy white, breast greyer. 
Distinctions. Distinguished from the Curlews by the slightly turned up instead of 
distinctly turned down bill; from the Marbled Godwit by the red underparts in spring, 
and at all seasons by the all dark, white shafted primaries without marbling. This species 
shows almost endless variations between the above plumages, but suggestions of the spring 
coloration are usually recognizable in all except young birds. 
Field Marks. Large size, straight or slightly turned up bill, and white rump at base 
of black tail, will separate this from either the Curlews or the Marbled Godwit which are 
the only species that are likely to be confused with it. 
Distribution. Breeds in the northwest beyond civilization. Most common eastward 
from the prairies to the Maritime Provinces in autumn, and in the interior in spring. 
The Hudsonian Godwit is a fine bird on the verge of extinction. 
As frequently happens, it seemed to disappear suddenly and before its 
growing scarcity was realized. It is doubtful whether shooting is altogether 
responsible for this condition. When aspeciesis greatly reduced in numbers 
by any cause, an otherwise comparatively unimportant adverse influence 
may suffice to snuff it out unexpectedly. Protection is ineffective when 
delayed so long that the breeding stock is too greatly reduced for recovery. 
254. Greater Yellow-legs. GREATER TELL-TALE. FR.—LA GRAND CHBVALIER A 
PIEDS JAUNES. CHEVALIER OU PATTES JAUNES. T'otanus melanoleucus. L, 14. A 
rather large Shore Bird. Upperparts to crown dark brown to black with small white or 
grey markings and intrusive greyish feathers, giving a grey effect; without trace of buff 
or rufous. Underparts white, streaked on foreneck, breast, and flanks with distinct 
streaks or bars of the same dark colour as on the back; legs very long and yellow. 
Distinctions. Size, yellow legs, and lack of any indication of buffy or rusty anywhere 
are marks of the two Yellow-legs. In young autumn birds the breast and neck marks 
may be veiled and indistinct. This and the next species distinguished only by size. 
Field Marks. Long, slender yellow legs, entire lack of ochraceous colour, size, and 
the large amount of white or whitish on tail and rump. When once acquainted with it, 
its flight is quite recognizable. 
Distribution. Breeds in high latitudes across the continent. In the east, south 
to Anticosti island and the north shore of the gulf of St. Lawrence; common in migrations 
throughout eastern Canada. 
The Greater Yellow-legs is one of the best known Shore Birds. Owing 
to its size and comparative numbers it is much sought after by sportsmen 
and it seems to have withstood their attacks better than many other 
apparently equally well-adapted species. It prefers marshy shores and 
mud to open sand and may be seen far out on the flats wading about, 
thigh deep, in water too deep for smaller waders. Its clear flute-like 
tremolo whistle in a descending scale is a sound to accelerate the pulse 
