14 THE O. & O. SEMI-ANNUAL. 
into the shrubbery. It is at this time that they show a peculiarity 
that is usually identified with the Snipe family, that of tipping up and 
down like our common Sand Snipe. This peculiarity is not indulged 
in so freely while feeding as when they are in the trees, and it is much 
more noticeable when they are disturbed. This habit has given them 
the name of “wagtails’” in some localities, and it was under this name 
that the writer was first made acquainted with them. 
The streams along which they usually breed are entirely dry in the 
summer season. ‘They breed early, usually in early May. Eggs usu- 
ally 6 ; measure about .74X.60 ; white with a sprinkling of fine laven- 
der colored specks, and at the larger end with blotches of dark um- 
ber. Nest usually placed over running water or very near to it, usu- 
ally on the banks of streams, but occasionally in the upturned roots 
of fallen trees. 
THE WILSON’S PHALAROPE. 
Phalaropus Lobatus. 
BY WM. G. SMITH, LOVELAND, COLORADA. 
One of the handsomest of our western waders is Wilson’s Phala- 
rope Phalaropus lobatus, and for activity while swimming it surpass- 
es all others, and on land it has but few peers. Its beautiful shades 
of chestnut and red are so blended and artistic that one cannot but 
admire it if they possess the least admiration for the beautiful. 
One peculiarity, differing from all-migratory birds that I am ac- 
quainted with, is that the female arrives here several days in advance 
of the male, which is about the first week in May. She is by far the 
brightest hued and seems to shun the company of the more sober 
colored males ; but as soon as ¢hey arrive they begin to talk business 
to their proud mistresses and after considerable persuasion coax them 
to lead a more retired life. They mutually select a place to start 
