286 KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA. 



where it frequents the beaches and marshes, and may be easily distinguished 

 by its broad white wing band and pecuHar whistle. 



It is not likely to be confounded with any species, but a very good 

 distinguishing character is the black axillars. 



The eggs are three in number, sometimes four, deposited on the ground 

 with scarcely any indication of a nest. They are pale buff in color, spotted 

 with chocolate brown, heaviest on the larger end. 



SYMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA INORNATA Bre^vst. 

 Western Willet. 



General resemblance to the preceding species, but the upper parts are paler and not so 

 heavily marked with black; the breast shows usually more buff color. In winter plumage it 

 resembles the eastern form except in size, the bill usually being longer and the bird somewhat 

 larger. 



Length, 15.60; Wing, 8.50; Tarsus, 2.55; Bill, 2.30 to 2.80. 



It is a western species common in Florida in winter, its true range 

 being from Texas to Manitoba. 



Genus BARTRAMIA Less. 



BARTRAMIA LONGICAUDA {Bechst.). 

 Bartram's Sandpiper. Upland Plover. 



Adult : Head, upper parts, and breast mottled brown and 

 tawny ; belly white ; ^rsf primary barred with white. 

 In winter the bird is paler in coloration ; throat white. 

 Length, 11.75; Wing, 6.60; Tarsu.s, 1.90; Bill, 1.20. 



This species occurs in Eastern North 

 America, from Nova Scotia south to South 

 America. It is not very common anywhere 

 on the Atlantic coast nowadays, although at 

 one time it was an abundant species. It 

 occurs in Florida in winter. A good diag- 

 nostic character of this species is the barred primary. It breeds from Vir- 

 ginia northward. The eggs are four to five in number, of a pale brownish 

 color, mottled with chocolate brown near the larger end. 



