666 THE MARBLED GODWIT. 
The birds occasionally occur in considerable flocks of their own kind, which 
deploy and feed silently at the water’s edge; but oftener single individuals, or 
perhaps a half dozen, are found associated with Western Sandpipers or Semi- 
palmated Plovers. In the latter case they may be readily distinguished by 
their larger size, and, in the fall, by their lighter color. At high tide they 
sometimes resort to kelp-beds or log-booms, and they are pretty likely to oc- 
cur, also, along the gravelly shores of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. 
Sanderlings appear to be very graceful birds, when their movements are 
unconstrained by the knowledge of man’s presence. When approached, how- 
ever, the flock will stand silent, viewing your actions with grave regard. Even 
tho partially reassured as to your intent, their remaining movements are apt 
to be halting—with only one eye spared for bug-catching; and the strain is 
relieved only when the whole company takes sudden flight with sharp whist- 
ling cries: 
“Friend, if friend you be, 
The world is wide, 
If you tent here,— 
Why yonder does for me.” 
No. 268. 
MARBLED GODWIT. 
VA. ©. U. No. 249. Limosa fedoa (Linn.). 
Synonyms.—Brown Maruinx. Common Marin. Sprke-BILLED CURLEW. 
Description.—du/t; General color pale cinnamon or ochraceous-buff ; the 
head and neck all around streaked and spotted with brownish dusky; the back, 
etc., heavily and irregularly barred with the same,—a typical feather from the 
scapulars has a broad dusky center shaped like a dandelion leaf, the comple- 
mentary spaces being ochraceous-buff, or irregularly white; the primary coverts, 
and outer webs of three outer primaries brownish dusky; the breast (especially 
on sides), the sides, flanks, and lower tail-coverts, with fine wavy bars of dusky; 
the superciliary line and throat immaculate; the axillars and lining of wings 
darker,—say pale cinnamon-rufous ; bill, slightly upturned, yellow at base, black- 
ening toward tip; feet and legs blackish. Jmmature: Similar to adult, but 
immaculate on breast; sides and flanks less distinctly and extensively barred. 
Length 16.50-21.00 (419.1-533-4); Wing 9.15 (232.4); tail 3.13 (70.5); bill 4.28 
(108.7); tarsus 2.74 (69.6). 
Recognition Marks.—Crow size; large size; long, slightly upturned bill; 
pale cinnamon coloration; “marbled” appearance of upperparts. 
Nesting.—Not known to breed in Washington. Nest: on the ground. Eggs: 
3 or 4, light olive-brown, finely speckled and spotted with dark brown and purplish 
gray. Ay. size, 2.18 x 1.64 (55.4 X 41.7). 
