570 Mr. E. A. S. Elliot on the Gochvits. 



account of its more strongly-tarred rump, has been given 

 specific distinction as L. uropygialis ; it is found from the 

 N.E. shores of Siberia in summer to New Zealand in winter. 

 Its habits are similar to those of its congener in Europe, but 

 the flocks moving up from the south are focussed to one spot, 

 the North Cape in New Zealand, preparatory to their long 

 flight to their breeding-grounds on each side of Behring 

 Straits (for I am of opinion the species found in Alaska is 

 identical with the Asiatic species), and the numbers there 

 congregated before they take flight may be reckoned by 

 thousands. 



Coming to the New World representatives, we find some 

 striking differences shown by L. fedoa, and although at 

 first sight it is similar in general character to L. riifa, it 

 requires a stretch of the imagination to believe the two had 

 a common ancestor; but doubtless during the long ages 

 and ages that have elapsed since the first migratory 

 impulse arose, food and climatic influence have so modified 

 them, that we find each species now eminently adapted to 

 the general surroundings. It is unnecessary to give a 

 detailed description of the plumage of L. fedoa, for that can 

 be found in any good work on North- American ornithology, 

 and there are many ; but I wish to point out where this 

 species difi'ers from L. rufa. In the first place, it is no 

 misnomer to call it the Marbled Godwit, for the barring and 

 mottling of its dorsal plumage give it a peculiarly marbled 

 appearance, while the underparts are pale buff', minutely 

 spotted on the neck ; and on the breast and flanks the 

 feathers are barred with flue vermicular markings, the belly 

 being usually free of such. In some males the barring is 

 continued to the vent, but this is not a safe diagnostic 

 character; and reliance must be placed on dissection or 

 comparison, the females being invariably larger than the 

 males. This species has no grey phase of plumage, so that, 

 no matter if found on the lakes of Ontario or the swamps 

 or sloughs of Florida, it is always in the same dress. 

 It is a much larger species, and the bills of some females 

 measure quite five and a half inches in length, whilst the 



