68 BIRDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA 



246. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Ereunetes pusillus.) 



This eastern species is a rare migrant in our State and 

 breeds in the Arctic regions. Mr. F. A. Patton of Artesian took 

 specimens in Miner County in 1896. 



It is one of the small Sandpipers, averaging slightly over 

 six inches in length. Toes webbed at base; upper parts black 

 and gray; belly white, with breast slightly mixed with black; 

 tail ashy gray. 



248. SANDERLING (Calidris leucophaea.) 



Another of the Shore Birds seen only in migration. Un- 

 like its near relatives it has only three toes, and these are not 

 partially webbed, as in the others. It is eight inches long in- 

 cluding a bill one inch long. Above, spotted with rusty, black 

 and white ; under parts white except breast, which is tinged with 

 rusty brown. 



249. MARBLED GODWIT (Limosa fedoa.) 



One of the largest of the Shore Birds which probably 

 still nests in the State, but not so frequently as in earlier days. 

 Length, eighteen inches, including a slightly curved bill of four 

 inches; back reddish brown; tail barred with black; under parts 

 much lighter and also barred with black. 



251. HUDSONIAN GODWIT (Limosa haemastica.) 



This Godwit is smaller than the Marbled, being only about 

 fifteen inches long, including a three and one half inch bill, which 

 is slightly curved upward. Above, black, gray and buff: below 

 grayish, barred with rufous and black; usually ocherous on the 

 belly. 



In the early days it was probably an abundant breeder in 

 South Dakota and at present it may occasionally be found nest- 

 ing, but its natural environment is being rapidly plowed up or 

 tramped down by stock. 



It feeds mostly in shallow water or along muddy shores. 



254. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS (Totanus melanoleucus.) 



This "Snipe" is fourteen inches long, including a two inch 

 bill. Legs very long, slender and yellow; upper parts grayish 

 black, margined with white; tail barred with black and white; 



