692 BULLETIN UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



SCOLOPAOIDiE. 



Gallinago wilsoni (Temm.) Bp.^American or Wilson's Snipe. 



Observed along streams between Camp Supply, Indian Territory, and 

 Fort Elliott, Texas. 



Teinga minutilla, V. — Least Sandpiper or Peep. 



A very few observed e7i route whilst passing through the southern 

 part of the Indian Territory, near Fort Elliott. 



Totanus solitaeius, (Wils.). — Solitary Tattler. 



Occasionally observed along water-courses, as the Canadian, etc. 



ACTITURUS BAE,TRAMius, (Wils.) B-p.—Bartraniian Sandpiper or Upland 

 Plover. 



Frequently observed on the prairie-laud and near the streams, upon 

 returning in latter part of June. Very friendly, allowing au ambulance 

 to pass on the road within a few yards. 



NuMENius LONGiROSTiiis, (Wils.). — LongUlled Curlew. 



Frequent, and perhaps of as general distribution as any other gpecies 

 throughout the section traversed. First seen upon the prairie-lands of 

 Kansas and the Indian Territory; its range and habitat extended over 

 all the places visited, save in canons themselves and the immediate 

 vicinity of alkali water, where I do not recall having observed it. It 

 was found in the same abundance several miles from water, on the 

 Staked Plain, as upon the prairie or rolling-land lying about the lower 

 l^arts of the creeks. In going south early in May, the birds were very 

 shy, and could only be approached within range of a shot-gun by driv- 

 ing near in an ambulance, concealing your intention, as you try to 

 " fool " a Hawk. In June, nidiflcation was in progress, and frequently, 

 in riding along, the bird would wait till within twenty-five yards before 

 rising, mounted or afoot making little difference. In early May, they 

 were in flocks of from three or four to ten or twelve ; but in June, in 

 smaller numbers, not half a dozen being seen together. Their vocal 

 powers, at no time weak, are apparently strengthened during their 

 hatching; then, as a shriek er, the mother proves herself an immense 

 success. On her nest being approached, she waits until within forty 

 yards perhaps, often less, rises up, and, circling about the spot, sends 

 forth those touching notes so well calculated to induce one to leave to 

 get rid of them. Their immediate effect, however, is the sympathy she 

 seeks. At once appear a few more intimate friends, doubtless to join 

 her in the chorus, each attempting louder calls and harsher than the 

 rest, all circling about as if desirous of attacking the intruder with 

 their long, ungraceful bills. This curlew pandemonium is continued 

 with energy until the invader has gone from the vicinity and there is no 

 sign of his return. 



