68 EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS WEST OF 100TH MERIDIAN. 



63. Nismfmcus, Gm. Sharp-shinned Hawk. 



Rather common. Creates sad havoc among the Turtle- Doves (Zenai- 

 dura carolinensis). 



COLUMBIDJE (the Doves). 



64. Zenaidura carolinensis, L. Carolina Dove. 



In very large numbers in the cotton wood-groves along the banks of 

 the Platte, and elsewhere abundant. The first nest was found on the 

 ground May 7, and contained a freshly-laid egg. This species is sin- 

 gularly indifferent in the choice of a location for its nest. A favorite 

 site is the thick undergrowth which clothes the trunks of the cotton- 

 woods. But nests may often be found in the same piece of woods, placed 

 in bushes and on the ground ; and in the latter case not infrequently 

 in an entirely open place. The nests are usually but a slight mass of 

 straws and twigs irregularly disposed, and so slight is the structure 

 that the eggs are often visible from the ground through the interstices. 



(the Plovers). 



65. JEgialitis vociferus, L. 



Abundant. Breeds on the sandy shores of the Platte River in June. 

 Deposits its eggs in a slight hollow in the sand. 



SCOLOPOCID^E (the Snipes). 



66. Gallinago gallinaria (Gm.), var. wilsonii, Tenim. Wilson's Snipe. 

 Quite a number seen in marshy spots about small ponds. 



67. Macrorhamphus griseus (Gm.) Red-breasted Snipe. 

 An abundant migrant. 



68. Totanus melanoleucus (Gin.) Greater Yellow-Legs. 

 Numbers seen in the market. 



69. Totanus flampes (Gm.) Lesser Yellow-Legs. 

 A few seen. 



