BIRDS O? THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. l6l 



with brown, almost obsolete on the belly and crissum ; axillary 

 plumes, brown; chin and upper part of throat, white; two thirds of 

 primaries, white; tail, white, becoming brownish at the end. 



Length 14.50, wing 7.50, tail 2.75, tarsus, 2.25, bill 2.25. 



Upon our arrival at Inagua I found this species very abundant, 

 and evidently preparing to breed. Incubation commences about 

 May 15, and at that date they have all repaired to the inland salt 

 ponds. Three or four eggs are deposited on a mat of grass or 

 weeds, slightly raised from the ground. It is interesting to note the 

 curious habit which the Willit has of lighting on the branches of 

 trees. \\'hilc hunting for the nest I have often seen them perched 

 upon a branch, uttering a short, sharp note, seemingly much agitated 

 at my presence. We found it abundant on many of the islands, 

 especially so at Inagua and Abaco. 



Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. V. pi. 347. 



TOT A NO'S MELAXOLEUCUS. Cm. 

 GuEATER Yellow-leg. 



Adult Male — Bill, straight; above, ashy, speckled with black 

 and white ; below, white, sometimes speckled, and faintly barred 

 with brownish; upper tail-coverts, white, barred witli dark brown; 

 tail barred witli 2frav. 



Length 12.50, wing 7, tail 3, tarsus 2.56, bill 2.10. 



