BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 1 79 



white, marked with reddish black on the upper, and a spot of the 

 same near the end of the lower mandible ; feet, dark olive. 



Length 14.75, wing 7.45, tail 2.30, bill, from lower edge of 

 frontal plate, 1.40. 



Although some birds of this species remain in the Bahamas 

 through the summer, their numbers are greatly augmented in winter 

 by visitants from tlie United States. They are very abundant, and 

 at times greatly annoy the sportsman by their incessant clamor as 

 he is making his way through the swamps in search of more desir- 

 able game, often frightening away the object of his pursuit long 

 before he has approached within shooting distance. Their flesh is 

 good, and much esteemed by the inhabitants. They are generally 

 found in flocks frequenting the lakes and ponds. 



Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. V. pi. 305. 



