276 TlMEHRI. 



In the grassy pastures of the coast, but more usually 

 on the flats, will be found the Willet or Stone Snipe or 

 Curlew (Symphemia semipalmata) , generally known 

 here as the White-winged Curlew from the white bars 

 and edgings of the wings. 



This species is larger than most of the common mi- 

 grants, being about 15 inches in length, with a strong 

 and thick, straight beak, of about two inches in length. 

 The bill and feet are of a deep bluish tint, and the toes 

 are united at the base by a membrane. The upper sur- 

 face is blackish-brown, mottled with rufous, grey and 

 white, or with wavy brown bars with reddish blotches on 

 the sides. 



This bird is known to range as far north as the United 

 States and Canada, where it breeds, descending to the 

 Equatorial distri6ls of South America in its migration. 

 Specimens of this species are obtainable in the colony at 

 all times of the year as stragglers, though during the 

 season of migration, and during the winter months, they 

 are much more numerous. Occasional stragglers have 

 even been recorded from Europe. 



It has already been mentioned that the true snipes of 

 the colony are resident species, and this is certainly the 

 case with regard to our two species of Gallinago proper. 

 The Red-breasted snipe (Macrorhamphus griseus) , how- 

 ever, which breeds in the extreme north, migrating for 

 the winter to Central and South America and the West 

 Indies, certainly visits us, though the birds seem to be 

 but rarely obtained. 



This species is about the size of the common snipes 

 being from 10 to 11 inches in length. The beak and 

 legs are olive-coloured, the former being slender and 



