DOWITCHER. 169 



preceding probing the Sphag?iutn and mud in quest of insects 

 and minute shell-fish. The manners of this bird are similar to 

 those of the L./edoa, and in most respects it makes an ap- 

 proach to the Black-tailed species of Europe ; it is, however, 

 somewhat larger, and readily contradistinguished. 



The Hudsonian Godwit is more frequently seen on the Atlantic 

 coast than is its larger relative, but it is not at all common, and is 

 seen only or generally in the autumn. It breeds in the higher 

 Arctic regions, — on the Barren Grounds, — and winters in South 

 America. 



Note. — The Black-tailed Godwit {Limosa limosd) occurs 

 occasionally in Greenland. 



DOWITCHER. 



BROWN-BACK. ROBIN-SNIPE. RED-BREASTED SNIPE. 

 GRAY SNIPE. 



Macrorhampus GRISEUS. 



Char. Summer : above, dusky, varied with bay ; rump white, barred 

 with dusky ; tail with black and buff bars ; below, bay, varied with dusky. 

 In winter the upper parts are dark gray, the rump pure white, and the 

 lower parts white, shaded on the breast with gray. Length about loYz 

 inches. Similar to Wilson's Snipe, but distinguished by its longer legs. 



Nest. On marshy border of pond or stream, — a depression in the turf 

 lined with leaves and grass. 



Eggs. 4; pale olive brown, spotted with dark brown ; 1.70 X 1.15. 



The Red-breasted Snipe begins to visit the sea-coast of New 

 Jersey early in April, arriving from its winter quarters, probably 

 in tropical America. After spending about a month on the 

 muddy marshes and sand-flats left bare by the recess of the 

 tides, a more powerful impulse than that of hunger impels 

 the wandering flocks towards their natal regions in the North, 

 where, secluded from the prying eye of man, and relieved from 

 molestation, they pass the period of reproduction, the wide 

 range of which continues, without interruption, from the bor- 

 ders of Lake Superior to the shores of the Arctic Sea. On the 



