304 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



or rufotis on the tinder parts. The white rump and barred tail combined 

 with its size and the length of its bill serve to distinguish the Dowitcher 

 from other shore birds. It is more gregarious than the Wilson snipe and 

 also more of a beach bird. 



Distribution and migration. The Dowitcher breeds in the arctic 

 region of eastern North America and passes the winter from the gulf coast 

 to South America. In New York it is chiefly confined to the shores of 

 Long Island where it was formerly an abundant migrant, passing north- 

 ward from the 25th of April, or the 9th of May, to the 30th of Ma}-, or the 

 12th of June, and returning to its winter quarters from July 12th or 20th, 

 to September 8th or 15th. 



It is now much less common than it was 20 j^ears ago, due mostly to 

 spring shooting and reckless slaughter b}' the gunners, who often destroy 

 entire flocks that have bunched among their deco}'s, without leaving a 



Dowitcher. Macrorhamphusgriseus (Gmelin) Long-billed dowitcher. M. scolopaceus (Say) 



From specimens in State Museum and Forest, Fish and Game Commission collections. J nat. size 



