248 BLACK-NECKED STILT. 
abundant in such places. ‘They are now paired, and select suitable 
spots for their nests, which are generally not far distant from each 
other, and near the margins of the ponds, or on small islets. The 
nest is very similar to that of the Willet, or Semi-palmated Snipe, 
Totanus semipalmatus, being rather large, and formed of dry weeds and 
the twigs of small shrubs. I have never observed the singular man- 
ner of augmenting and raising their tenements, described by ALEx- 
awpER Witson, although, like him, I have found and examined se- 
veral in the very same districts. The eggs are always four, placed 
with the smaller ends together, pyriform, almost 2 inches long, with 
the smaller end rounded, 13 in their greatest breadth; of a pale yel- 
lowish-clay colour, and plentifully marked with large irregular blotches 
and lines of brownish-black. ) 
While the females are sitting, the males pay them much attention, 
acting in this respect like those of the American Avoset, watching the 
approach of intruders, giving chase to the Red-winged Starlings, as well 
as to the Fishing and American Crows, and assailing the truant young 
gunner or egger. When there is no appearance of annoyance, they 
sometimes roam as far as the sea-beach. When the young are hatched, 
they leave the nest, and follow their parents through the grass, but on 
the appearance of danger squat and remain motionless. About the 
beginning of September, young and old commence their journey south- 
ward. 
This species is rather scarce along the shores of the Carolinas ; nor 
is it abundant in any part of the United States, and is seldom seen to 
the eastward beyond Long Island. Its food consists of insects, small 
crustacea, worms, and young fry of fishes. I have frequently observed 
them running after flies, and attempting to seize the smaller Libellule. 
When wounded so as to fall on the water, they are unable to dive, but 
on reaching the shore they run nimbly off and hide themselves. 
I feel confident that in spring the males migrate apart from the 
females, but in autumn in company with them. The flesh of this spe- 
cies is not decidedly good or bad, being of ordinary quality. The 
males are larger than the females, and individuals of both sexes vary 
considerably in size, 
