EEDSHANK. 371 



middle. In the winter there is much more white, and 



the whole plumage is much lighter. 

 Common over all Scandinavia during the periods of 

 migration, but seems to prefer the north of the country for 

 breeding. Mlsson says they breed in Gotland. Kjar- 

 bolling says they breed commonly in some parts of Denmark, 

 and I have seen them myself in the end of June in North 

 Wermland, but I never obtained the egg except from Lap- 

 land. Eggs four, laid on a few pieces of dry grass, some- 

 times up in an open place in the forest, always on the ground ; 

 considerably larger than those of the redshank; ground 

 colour clay brown, blotched all over with deep purple brown 

 and fainter patches. The eggs are, however, subject to 

 variation, and are sometimes very handsome, especially when 

 fresh. Although there is rather a resemblance, the larger size 

 will always distinguish this egg from that of the redshank. 



The habits of this bird much resemble those of the green 

 sandpiper, wild and shy, often perching on trees. When 

 disturbed, flies high over the forest, uttering a loud, shrill 

 " chee-wheet, chee-wheet." 



Straight Beaks. 

 Subgen. Totanus, Nilss. 



Beak longer than the head, straight, slender, thin ; nasal 

 furrow in the old bird extends scarcely half way down the 

 bill. 



193. T. CALIDEIS, Bechst. Eodbent Snappa. The Ked- 



shank. D. F. 



Beak shorter than tarsus ; both mandibles red at the 

 root for half way down the beak ; tip black ; legs bright 

 red in the old birds at all seasons, in the young dirty 

 reddish yellow, as well as the base of the beak ; all the 

 three front toes joined at the root, by a web ; length 

 about 11 in.; beak 1 in. 6 1.; carpus joint 6 in. 3 1. ; 

 tail 2-|- in. ; summer dress, upper parts rusty grey-brown, 

 with black spots, under white, with blackish spots, 



