SCOLOPACID^ — THE SXIPK FAMILY — IIETEROSCELUS. 291 



of the I'oast. latlirr than those that are low, iiuu-shy, or sandy. Dr. Cooi)er writes in 

 reference to this bird, that it seems to differ much in habits from the other members 

 of this family, in that it prefers the rocky shores of the ocean, and in jirobably never 

 frequenting marshes or inland localities. He has found it only sparingly along the 

 whole soiithern coast of California, but not on the islands, though the species is so 

 widely distributed throughinit the Paciiic archipelagoes. He obtained a single speci- 

 men at Santa Barbara as late as April 27, and saw another iKiir — apparently ol' this 

 species — at San Pedro on the 23d of May; so that probably a few breed along the 

 coast. He also met with it in Alonterey in September. This naturalist adds that he 

 has always found it feeding on surf-beaten rocks, among the seaweed, and generally 

 not shy, but Avhen frightened flying off a short distance, with a harsh rattling cry, 

 like the alarm note of tlie Turnstones. It has also a projjensity to hide itself among 

 the rocks, instead of flying, being often diiScult to find, even when close at hand. 

 In an account subsequently written,. Dr. Cooper mentions, in describing a visit to 

 Monterey, Sept. 10, 1862 (" American Xaturalist," TV. 758), having observed a few 

 of the Wandering Tattler, and that they were, as usual, among the rocks along the 

 shore in that neighborhood. 



This species is included by ^Iv. II. Browne among the birds observed by him on 

 Vancouver Island. Mr. Dall states that he procured three specimens of it at >.'ulato, 

 and Mr. Bischoff two at Sitka ; but it is said to be rare on the Yukon River, where, 

 however, one was found by Mr. McDougal. Three were obtained by Dr. trooper in 

 Shoal Water Bay, W. T., and two by Mr. Elliott on the Prybilof Islands, where it is 

 said by him to be of regular migratory appearance, but not to breed. He adds that 

 it comes regularly every year early in June, and subsequently re-appears toward the 

 end of July, when it may be oljtained on the rocky l^eaches, never visiting the wp- 

 lands, and being a ^■ery shy and quiet bird. A single specimen was also taken at 

 Plover Bay, in Eastern Siberia, September, 1867, by Mr. Bischoff. 



Mr. H. W. Henshaw thinks that this bird is well named the " Wandering Tattler," 

 and states that it has a very wide range, being found on the islands of the Pacific 

 generally, and from Alaska to Australia. Santa Cruz Island is the only place where 

 he has enjoyed an opportttnity of meeting with it, though, as he is informed, it 

 occurs on other islands also. Captain Forney, of the Coast Survey, secured quite 

 a number on the Island of San Miguel, where this bird occurs in considerable num- 

 bers. It is not at all a bird of the sandy shores, but resorts exclusively to rocks 

 covered with seaweed, following the tide as it ebbs and flows, running back and 

 forth, picking up the worms and marine animals, which are found in such localities in 

 abundance. In its motions it is said to sinuilate exactly the little Spotted Sand- 

 piper, and to have the same curious "tip-up" motion of its body in moments of 

 rest from feeding. It flies with a similar deliberate wing-beat, with pinions slightly 

 decurved, the tips being pointed downward. The voices of the two birds are said to 

 be very different ; the notes of this species being very loud and harsh as compared 

 with the smooth whistle of T. maculariits. Mr. Henshaw found them usually soli- 

 tary, quite watchful, and full of distrust, though occasionally he found himself within 

 a few feet of one of them, and was able to watch its motions. This was in June ; 

 and though the birds were unquestionably paired and breeding, he was not able to 

 obtain even a hint as to their method of nidificatiou. 



