BIRDS FOUND ALONG THE BEACHES _ 6] 
Geographical Distribution: Western United States in general from lati- 
tude 30° to the Canadian border ; south in winter to Guatemala and 
West Indies. 
Breeding Range: The plains of the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Colo- 
rado, Utah, and interior of California. 
Breeding Season: June to July 15. 
Nest: Of grass stems matted together ; placed in tall grass near water. 
Lygs : 2 or 3; light olive, spotted with brown. Size 1.90 X 1.35. 
THe American Avocet is a conspicuous bird under any 
circumstances, for its long, curved-up bill, intensely black 
and white plumage, and long blue legs are sure to attract 
attention. In some localities its blue legs have given 
it the nickname of “ blue-stocking.” In writing of these 
birds, Mr. Frank Chapman says: ‘They frequent shores 
and shallow pools, and in searching for shells, crusta- 
ceans, ete., their peculiar recurved bill is used in a most 
interesting manner. Dropping it beneath the surface 
of the water until its convexity touches the bottom, they 
move rapidly forward, and with every step swing their 
bill from side to side as a mower does his scythe. In 
this way they secure food which the muddy water would 
prevent them from seeing.” 
They may occasionally be found swimming in small 
companies, but never in exposed or very open water, and 
usually as near shore as possible. The nest is made in 
a wet meadow, and is not unlike that of a king rail, ex- 
cept for size. The young, like the young rails, are taken 
to the edge of a meadow, and, until they are two or 
three days old, do not go into the water. They pick 
up bugs for themselves from the damp ground and 
run to cover at the call of the mother, after the manner 
of killdeer. Their note is seldom heard until nightfall 
