NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 113 



The first eggs are laid about the middle of May. These are described 

 as pale olive-buff, varying to light brownish-buff, spotted and blotched 

 with vandyke-brown or deep umber ; size i .46 x i .00. 



237. Tringa ptilocnemis COUES. [532.] 



Prybilof Sandpiper. 



Hab. Prybilof Islands, Bering Sea. 



The Black-breasted Sandpiper, as it is called, is confined to the 

 Prybilof group and several other islands of Bering Sea; but does not 

 visit the Commander Islands. It is said to be the only wader that 

 breeds on the Prybilof Islands. In May it nests on the dry uplands 

 and mossy hummocks, placing its nest in bunches of moss, in which 

 four pyriform eggs are laid. 



The eggs are described as light brownish-buff, heavily spotted with 

 rich chestnut-brown, clouded with purplish-gray. Average size i.5ox 

 1.07. 



239. Tringa maculata VIEILL. [534.] 



Pectoral Sandpiper. 



Hab. North, Central and South America; breeding in the Arctic regions. Of frequent occurrence 

 in Europe. 



During the migrations the Pectoral Sandpiper is very abundant, 

 both on the sea coast and in the interior. It frequents the borders of 

 ponds, the shores of lakes and rivers, and is found commonly in the 

 vicinity of wet cornfields and meadows. It is only of recent date that 

 we have obtained any positive information regarding this bird's breed- 

 ing places. Mr. B. W. Nelson found it to be extremely common at 

 the mouth of the Yukon River, where the low grassy flats afford it a 

 much frequented breeding ground. Arriving on the shores of Bering 

 Sea, near St. Michael's, from the i5th to the 25th of May, the birds 

 linger about a short time ; they then pair and seek nesting places, 

 which are usually in tufts of grass. 



The eggs are of a pale grayish-buff, varying to pale olive-green, 

 boldly blotched and spotted with rich vandyke-brown and purplish 

 gray ; average size, i-44x 1.02. 



240. Tringa fuscieollis VIEILL. [536.] 



White-ruinped Sandpiper. 



Hab. Eastern North America; breeds far North. In winter migrating through the United States, 

 the West Indies, Central and South America and Falkland Islands. Occasional in Europe. 



Bonaparte's Sandpiper during the breeding season is found in the 

 Arctic regions. It is a species of wide distribution in the migrations, 

 wandering into tropical regions. 



The bird is said to breed in suitable places on the shores of Cumber- 

 land Sound. Dr. Brewer states that Mr. MacFarlane met its nests and 

 eggs on or near the Arctic coast ; one taken July 3 contained four eggs 

 9 



