^°1908^^] Beyer, Allison and Kopman, Birds of Louisiana. 177 



marshy growths about the edges of swamp sloughs in northeastern Louisi- 

 ana. About little pools in the marshes to the east of New Orleans, 

 especially about Lake Borgne, Lake Catherine, etc., this species may fre- 

 quently be taken unaware while swimming or walking over the muddy 

 edges to the pools. As many as 8 or 10 together may sometimes be seen 

 under these circumstances. The nesting of the Florida Gallinule appears 

 to occupy about the same period as that of the Purple Gallinule. Fresh 

 eggs may be found as late as July 1. The numbers of this species are much 

 reduced in winter. Local (Creole) name: Ralle Poule d'eau. 



90. American Coot (Fulica americana). Very abundant in \\-inter, 

 and a few may breed. Indi\dduals have been seen as late as May 18, with 

 Blue-winged Teals. LTnobstructed water surfaces are preferred by this 

 species. It reaches southern Louisiana in large numbers about Oct. 1. 

 The majority leave before the middle of March. Local (Creole) name: 

 Poule d'eau. 



91. Wilson's Ph.a.larope {Stcganopus tricolor). Rather an unusual 

 migrant. 



92. American Avocet {Rccurvirostra americana). A migrant only. 

 A specimen was taken on Bayou St. John, near New Orleans, Nov. 12, 1889, 

 at almost the identical spot where Audubon took one of his specimens 

 (Beyer). 



93. Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mcricanus). Resident, but 

 commoner in winter. It is found rather generally in open wet places in 

 the southern section of the State, but never in large numbers. 



94. American Woodcock (Philohela minor). Fairly common in 

 .suitable localities in winter, but growing steadily less so; it has been found 

 breeding in the State. A young one was retrieved by a dog near Covington 

 on January 29, 1890. Mating birds had been ob.served during the middle 

 of January near Madisonville (Beyer). Local (Creole) name: Becasse. 



95. Wilson's Snipe {GaUinago delicata). Most abundant during 

 spring and fall. Its occurrence during winter is extremely irregular; 

 occa.sionally it is found in considerable munbers in either December or 

 January. The greatest numbers are present during October and part of 

 November and again after the middle of February until the early part of 

 April. The heaviest migration usually occurs the lattier part of March. 

 A few are seen even until the early part of May. Returning individuals 

 may be found by September 1 or even earlier. Open marshes, wet pas- 

 tures, and rice fields are the fa^iorite re.sorts of this species in Louisiana. 

 Local (Creole) name: Becassine. 



96. Dowitcher {Macrorhamphus griscus). Associated with the fol- 

 lowing, but not so common. 



97. Long-billed Dowitcher (Macrorhamphus scolopaceus) . Abun- 

 dant as a winter resident along the coast and in other suitable localities. 

 This species arrives from the north by August 15 or earlier. Lingering^ 

 individuals have been seen on the coast until the early part of June, and 

 it is not only probal^le l)ut practically certain, as in the case of various 



