TOTANUS FLAVIPES. 187 



without seeing one or more individuals wading near the margin, and 

 hearing their powerful alarm-cry a long clear note repeated three 

 times. 



These summer visitors leave us in March, and then, oddly enough, 

 others arrive, presumably from the south, to winter on the pampas, and 

 remain from April to August. Thus, notwithstanding that the Yellow- 

 shank does not breed on the pampas, we have it with us all the year 

 round. Durnford's observations agree with mine, for he says that the 

 bird is found throughout the year near Buenos Ayres ; and Mr. Bar- 

 rows writes that this species " occurs every month in the year (at 

 Concepcion in Entrerios), but in increased numbers during August, 

 September, October, and November." 



404. TOTANUS FLAVIPES (Om.). 

 (LESSER YELLOWSHANK.) 



Totanus flavipes, Bvrm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 503 (Mendoza, Parana) ; Baird, 

 Brew., et Ridgw. Water-B. N. A. i. p. 273 ; See.bohm, Plovers, p. 364 ; Saun- 

 ders, YarreWs Birds, iii. p. 480; Barrows, Auk, 1884, p. 315 (Entrerios, 

 Azul). Gambetta flavipes, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 145 ; iid. P. Z. S. 1868, 

 p. 144 (Buenos Ayres) ; Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 43 (Chupat) et p. 199 

 (Buenos Ayres), et 1878, p. 404 (Centr. Patagonia). 



Description. Above grey, spotted with white and black ; upper tail- coverts 

 white, slightly spotted : beneath white ; breast greyish, with black specks ; bill 

 black; feet yellow: whole length 10-0 inches, wing 6-0, tail 2-6. Female 

 similar. 



Hob. Arctic America, descending south to Chili and Patagonia during 

 migration. 



This North-American species is likewise common throughout the 

 year on the pampas, although not nearly so common in winter (June, 

 July, and August) as in summer. 



Durnford also found it abundant in Central Patagonia. In habits, 

 language, and in general appearance, except in size, it closely resembles 

 the Greater Yellowshank, and the two species, attracted or deceived by 

 this likeness, are constantly seen associating together. 



Mr. Barrows, who found it near Coucepcion in Entrerios, usually 

 in company with Totanus melanoleucus, did not observe it in May, June, 

 or July in that locality. 



