in different ea'<rs. In long-diameter they measure from 1.15 to 1.30, and in short-diameter from .80 to .90. 

 The longest egg* in five sets is 1.30 x .93; the smallest, 1.20 x .81. The usual size is about 1.25 x .87. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS : 



The size of the eggs will always enable one to differentiate them with certainty from those of other 

 species which otherwise they resemble. 



REMARKS: 



The eggs illustrated, Plate XLV, Fig. 1, represent the extremes and average in size, shape, and 

 markings taken from eighteen eggs. They are colored from blown specimens about a year old. The 

 colors do not fade much, but they lose with time the brilliancy which they possessed when the eggs 

 were fresh. 



The Spotted Sandpipers select a locality for their home as soon as mated, and during the Summer 

 they remain near the spot. Wherever a pair is observed in the Spring, it can be predicted with con- 

 siderable certainty that their nest is or will be close by. 



I have found the nest most frequently in newly ploughed fields that reached nearly to the edge of 

 some water-course or pond, and usually by accident; although sometimes I have located it by the actions 

 of the birds. They are very watchful and anxious for its safety, and will often attract the attention of 

 a passer-by by their cries and uneasy flight. When sitting, the female is easily driven from her eggs, 

 but she will soon return, often in the face of the same danger that frightened her away. The eggs 

 seem out of all proportion to the size of the bird. It is really wonderful how such a little body can 

 safely lay them. The young run about as soon as hatched, and follow their parents wherever they lead. 

 They soon learn to glean their living, and in June are the most plentiful and attractive of all our 

 waders. They are neat and dainty, and when walking tilt themselves in a characteristic manner, which 

 has given them the vulgar name of teeter-tails. 



150 



