148 



DOWITCHER 

 231. Macrprhamphua griseus. 10.5 in. 



Bill very long like that of the Snipe. Adults in sum- 

 mer are reddish-brown below, more or less speeked with 

 black on the breast and barred with black on the sides ; 

 above mottled with brown and black, lighter, or even 

 white, on the rump. In winter, they are gray above 

 and white below, the breast being tinged with gray and 

 streaked with dusty. Dowitchers are known as Red- 

 breasted Snipe and as Robin Snipe by gunners, with 

 whom they are great favorites. They usually travel in 

 flocks, and often with flocks of other species. Their 

 notes are a series of musical whistles, easily imitated, 

 and the birds are easily attracted thereby. 



Nest. As usual on the ground ; eggs greenish-buff, 

 spotted. 



Range. Eastern X. A., breeding in the Arctic regions ; 

 winters south of the U. S. 



232. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (M. scolopaceus ) , 

 is found in western N. A. The bill is supposed to be 

 longer, but the plumage is identical and the birds prob- 

 ablv are. 



