176 SHORE BIRDS. 



also gives a loud rasping cry and a chuckling 

 note when alighting. Occurs singly, in 

 pairs, or in small flocks, on mud flats or 

 sandy beaches. Occasionally perches on 

 dead branches of trees. Flight rather slow 

 and direct; wing-beats strong and well down, 

 not rapid. Breeds from N. J. to Fla. and 



Fig. 146 



Least Bittern. 1-6. 



irregularly north to N. E. Resident from 

 N. C. southward and in the Bahamas, un- 

 common on the coast of Mass, in fall and 

 rare in spring. 



121. WESTERN WILLET. 

 Larger than last with a longer more 

 slender bill, and with fewer and paler band- 



