148 FEATHERED GAME 



averaging slightly larger, a little darker in color 

 and having a somewhat longer bill, Macrorham- 

 plius griseus scolopaceus. This is as rarely 

 taken on the range of the eastern variety as is 

 the eastern bird in the country of his relation, 

 but if they chance to meet they travel together 

 in most cousinly fashion. 



Our eastern bird is marked thus : above, black, 

 varied with reddish brown, tawny yellow, and 

 on the back with white ; these last colors mainly 

 on the tips and edges of the feathers. Top of 

 the head dusky; a whitish line running from 

 the base of the bill over the eye ; a dusky patch 

 extending from the bill to the eye. Throat, 

 breast and sides russet brown and reddish, 

 paler underneath and with dusky marks and 

 barrings. Tail and its upper coverts black, 

 with white or light reddish barrings. Rump 

 white, showing sharply as the bird flies. Bill 

 and feet greenish black; feet slightly webbed, 

 so that the bird, like most shorebirds, is a fair 

 swimmer at need. The female is similarly col- 

 ored though a trifle paler and is a bit smaller 

 than her mate. Though not so ^'stocky" in 

 figure, the Brown-back is altogether snipe-like in 

 appearance. 



