488 BIRDS — SCOLOPACIDJB. 



The Spotted Sandpiper, generally known by the vernacular name of 

 "Peet-weet" or " Teeter-tail," in allusion to its frequent note or curious 

 motion, is the most abundant summer resident of its tribe from April to 

 October. Industrious and noisy, it frequents sandy shores, retiring 

 usually to the shelter of high weeds under which it constructs its nest. Its 

 flight, owing to the changed prqportion of wings and tail, differs from 

 that of any other of our Sandpipers, being slower and more laborious. 

 It usually takes its course horizontally above t,he water, moving in 

 straight lines or gentle curves, with frequent vaccillating strokes of 

 wings. Oftener than other birds of the family it is seen mounted on a rail 

 fence, prostrate log or dead limb, where its singular attitude and m^otions 

 arouse the risible sympathy of the spectator. Dr. Coues (Birds N. W., p. 

 600), thus describes its habits : 



" As often as the Tip-up or "Tester- tail," as it la also called, stops in its pursuit of in- 

 sects, the fore part of the body is lowered a little, the bead drawn in, the legs slightly 

 bent, whilst the hinder parts and tail are alternately hoisted with a peculiar jerk, and 

 drawn down again, with the regularity of clock-work. The movement is more conspic- 

 uous in the upward than in fhe downward part of the performance ; as if the tail were 

 spring-hinged, in constani} danger of flying up, and neeling constant presence of mind 

 to keep it down. It is amusing to see an old mala in the breeding season busy with 

 this operation. Upon some rock jutting out of the water he stands, swelling with am- 

 orous pride and self-sufficiency, pufSng out his plumage till he looks twice as big a 

 natural, facing about on his narrow pedestal, and bowing with his hinder parts to all 

 points of the compau. A sensitire and fastidious person might see something derisive, 

 if not actually insulting, in this, and feei as Crusoe may be presumed to have felt when 

 the savages who attacked his skip in canoes showed the signs of contumaceons scorn that 

 DeFoe records. But it would not be worth while to feel offijnded, since that is only the 

 entirely original and peculiar way the Tip-up has of conducting his courtships. Orni- 

 thologists are not agreed upon the useful purpose subserved in this way, and have as 

 yet failed to account for the extraordinary performance." 



The nest of th© Spotted Sandpiper, as above said, is usually built in 

 the shelter of high weeds on a sandy island or border of a cultivated field 

 or meadow near water. It consists of a few dead leaves, lining a slight 

 depression. The eggs are four, of a creamy or clay-colored ground, blotched 

 with blackish-brown. 



Gbnds PHILOMACHUS. Moehring. 



Bill nearly straight, grooved nearly to the tip, as long as the head. Gape extending 

 a little farther back than cnlmen ; feathers of lower mandible extending further forward 

 than on upper, those of chin still further. Legs slender, tarsus longer than middle toe. 

 Outer and middle toes webbed, inner toe cleft. Tail rather long, barred. 



