678 THE SPOTTED SANDPIPER. 
such a point, indeed, that we shall soon begin to feel Alexander's discontent, — 
that there are no more worlds to conquer. 
However, of the Bulf-breasted Sandpiper in Washington we know noth- 
ing save that Cooper guessed them to be common during migrations at Shoal- 
water Bay, where he took a specimen in 1854. Fannin considered it “not 
common” in British Columbia; while Brooks has taken it at Chilliwack, a little 
way into the interior. 
The bird is somewhat like the Upland Plover (Bartramia longicauda) in 
habit and appearance, altho it is much smaller, and it frequents fields and 
prairies rather than mud flats. It is described as being usually of a gentle and 
confiding disposition; but during the breeding season, in the neighborhood of 
Point Barrow, or in the Anderson River region, the males are said to indulge 
some curious fancies. Solitary birds will walk about with one wing fully ex- 
tended and held high in air, as a sort of perpetual challenge to fellow bucks. 
If two birds meet, they “spar” for a few minutes, or rise towering together to 
a height of thirty feet or more, or until discouraged by the sweep of the wind. 
At other times one will stretch himself up to full height, then, spreading his 
wings forward, puff out his throat and make a sort of chuckling noise, much 
admired by his companions. 
No. 276. 
SPOTTED SANDPIPER. 
A. O. U. No. 263. Actitis macularia (Linn.). 
Synonyms.—Peet-weer. Tip-up. ‘TEE TER-TAIL. 
Description.—Adult in summer: Upperparts light olive-brown, with pale 
greenish or brassy luster; the head and neck streaked, and the back, scapulars, 
tertiaries, etc., irregularly barred with darker; quills darker and with more dis- 
tinct greenish reflections; the inner primaries and secondaries narrowly tipped 
with white, the former varied with some white on the inner webs, the latter with 
much basal white, showing conspicuously in flight; central tail-feathers like back, 
but greener, the outer feathers becoming duller and tipped with white; a white 
superciliary line; entire underparts white and strikingly marked with rounded 
spots approaching color of back; bill flesh-color, sometimes orange, darkening 
above, or not, and with dusky tip; feet and legs pinkish white. Winter plumage: 
Similar, but back browner, unbarred. /mmature: Like adult but unspotted below, 
tinged with gray on breast; above showing blackish or buffy bars, faintly on back, 
more strongly on wing-coverts, and upper tail-coverts. Length 7.00-8.00 (177.8- 
203.2); wing 4.15 (105.4); tail 2.00 (50.8); bill .93 (23.6); tarsus .95 (24.1). 
Recognition Marks.—Sparrow to Chewink size; greenish brown back; 
boldly spotted underparts; the characteristic bird of river-bank and lake-shore. 
Nesting.—Nest: on the ground, a slight depression, scantily or somewhat 
carefully lined with dead leaves and grass. Eggs: 4, creamy buff or dull white, 
