AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 281 



In many species the sexes are indistinguishable from the plumage at 

 all times. This is noticeable in small birds, and among the Snipes and 

 many other shore birds. As a rule the females are not much given 

 to change in plumage at any time, though all moult as with the bright 

 plumaged species. In some birds the males take on remarkable 

 changes during the breeding season and drop these adornments after 

 the nesting season is over. The Ruff is a remarkable example of 

 seasonal change, while some of the Sandpipers develop peculiarities in 

 anatomical structure, or at least at this season give peculiar expression 

 to ordinarily quiescent functions. Many, as the plume bearing herons, 

 are adorned in the spring alone. 



In nearly all species of birds where there is a difference in plumage 

 in the sexes, the male is the smarter in dress. The only exception is 

 among the Phalaropes, where the females are the more beautifully 

 colored. And as a fitting accompaniment, these birds are among the 

 most graceful creatures that swim, walk or fly. 



BLACK^NECKED STILT. 



A. O- TJ- No. 336- (Himantopus mexicanns.) 



RANGE. 



Found through temperate North America from northern United 

 States southwards. It is rare in the eastern portions of the United 

 States and is rather inclined to be southerly in its range in the western 

 portion. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Length, 14.5 in.; 'extent about 24 in,; tail, 2.5 in.; legs, 7.5 in. Upper 

 parts glossy greenish black; below white. Legs, reddish; bill, black; 

 Tump and tail, white. 



NEST AND EGGS. 



For a situation for their nest. Stilts select a small natural hollow in 

 the ground; this is slightly lined with dry grasses, upon which the 

 three or four eggs'are laid. The eggs have a greenish yellow ground, 



