Measurements Total length, 19 inches; wing, 8%; 

 bill, about 4 inches. 



THE RED-BACKED SANDPIPER 

 (Macrorhamphus scholopaceus) 



The red-backed sandpiper, or American dunlin, is 

 one of the larger members of the genus and quite plenti- 

 ful on the Coast marshes, but it is seldom seen in the 

 interior valleys except during its migrations. In its 

 winter plumage, in which our sportsmen see it, it is of 

 a dull light gray color. A diagnostic feature of this 

 species is the slightly downward curved bill. 



Color Head and upper parts, light gray, with a white 

 stripe over the eye; shafts of the feathers are dark 

 brown, producing a streaky appearance. In its summer 

 plumage the head and back are reddish brown, wings 

 brownish and abdomen black. 



Nest and Eggs Nests on the ground without lining. 

 Eggs, bluish white, with brown spots. 



Measurements Total length, about 8^ inches; wing, 

 4%; bill, 1%. 



THE WILLET 



(Totanus melanoleucus) 



The willet, or stone curlew as it is sometimes called, 

 is a resident species, breeding from Wasington to Mex- 

 ico. It is a western bird, ranging eastward to the 

 Mississippi valley, where it is but a straggler. In size 

 it is nearly as large as the marlin. Its black wings, 

 with broad, white patches, and feet webbed for about 

 half the length of the toes, are distinguishing features, 

 easily recognized. It is generally found on the salt 

 marshes. 



Color The general color of the plumage is ashy 

 white or light gray, usually with some light buff mark- 

 ings on the breast. When flying it shows a broad, white 

 patch on the wings, caused by the upper part of the 

 primaries and part of the secondaries being white. Its 

 smoky black axillars will always distinguish it. 



Nest and Eggs The nest is any place on the ground 

 where it can deposit three or four pale buff eggs, spot- 

 ted with dark brown. 



Measurements Total length, 15% inches; wing, 8%; 

 bill, 21/2 to 2% inches. 



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