134 TWENTIETH CENTUKY CLASSICS 



dark brown and shell markings of lilac ; thickest and run- 

 ning somewhat together around the large end ; in shape, 

 pyriform. 



XLV. YELLOW-LEGS. 



Totanus flavipes (GMEL.). 



Migratory ; abundant. Arrive in March, a few remain- 

 ing until the last of May; return in August, and tarry 

 until early frosts. 



HABITAT. The whole of North America; breeding 

 from northern Illinois (seldom in the United States), 

 north to within the Arctic circle; south in winter into 

 southern South America; accidental in Europe. 



Iris brown; bill black, with edge of base greenish yel- 

 low ; legs and feet bright yellow ; claws dark brown. 



These birds are very common in the United States dur- 

 ing migration, east of the Rocky Mountains, especially 

 during the spring in the western portion ; and, although 

 considered rare on the Pacific side, I am inclined to think 

 that in suitable localities it will prove to be a regular and 

 not uncommon migrant. I met with it at Whatcom, Wash- 

 ington (also at San Jose, Guatemala), Capt. Chas. Ben- 

 dire reports it an abundant migrant in Oregon, and it has 

 been found breeding in Alaska. 



In habits, this noisy bird does not appear to differ from 

 the preceding species, though less watchful and more easily 

 approached. 



Their nests are mere depressions in the ground, occa- 

 sionally lined with a few leaves or grasses. Eggs usually 

 four, 1.69x1.15 ; cream to drab buff, spotted and blotched 

 irregularly with varying shades of dark brown and purple 

 shell stains ; in shape, pyriform. 



