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Genus — Limosa. Godwits. 



249. Marbled Godwit. ph. — la barge marbr£e. Limosa fedoa. L, 18. A very 

 large Shore Bird; a general light buff, faintly pinkish shade all over, except throat which 

 may be white. Back, hindneck to crown, variegated with dark brown and light tints and 

 the breast and flanks more or less barred with fine lines of the same dark colour. 



Distinctions. Similar to the Curlews in general appearance but bill slightly turned 

 up instead of decisively turned down. Distinguished from the Hudsonian Godwit by fine, 

 dark marbling on the pinkish buff of the primaries. 



Field Marks. The Godwits are among the largest of our Shore Birds, practically 

 equal to the Curlews in size. The bill not turned down will distinguish them from the 

 Curlews. 



Distribution. Breeds in the prairie provinces including some cultivated regions, 

 migrates to both oceans, occurring casually in the eastern parts of the Maritime Provinces. 



Never abundant in eastern Canada, this species is being sadly reduced 

 in numbers like other large birds. Doubtless its habit of nesting within 

 cultivated areas is responsible for this gradual disappearance. 



251. Hudsonian Godwit. fr. — la barge de la baie d'htjdson. Limosa hcemas- 

 tica. L, 15. In spring — upperparts, dark brown to crown, marked with more or less 

 greyish or buffy and touches of rusty; underparts, reddish brown, more or less barred 

 with dark, and suffusing up foreneck. Autumn— upperparts unmarked brownish grey; 

 underparts, buffy white or dingy white, breast greyer. 



Distinctions. Distinguished from the Curlews by the slightly turned up instead of 

 distinctly turned down bill; from the Marbled Godwit by the red underparts in spring, 

 and at all seasons by the all-dark, white shafted primaries without marbling. This species 

 shows almost endless variations between the above plumages, but suggestions of the spring 

 coloration are usually recognizable in all except young birds. 



Field Marks. Large size, straight or slightly turned up bill, and white rump at base 

 of black tail, will separate this from either the Curlews or the Marbled Godwit which are 

 the only species that are likely to be confused with it. 



Distribution. Breeds in the northwest beyond civilization. Most common eastward 

 from the prairies to the Maritime Provinces in autumn, and in the interior in spring. 



The Hudsonian Godwit is a fine bird on the verge of extinction. As 

 frequently happens, it seemed to disappear suddenly and before its growing 

 scarcity was realized. It is doubtful whether shooting is altogether res- 

 ponsible for this condition. When a species is greatly reduced in numbers 

 by any cause, an otherwise comparatively unimportant adverse influence 

 may suffice to snuff it out unexpectedly. Protection is ineffective when 

 delayed so long that the breeding stock is too greatly reduced for recovery. 



Subfamily — Numeniinae. Sandpipers and Curlews. 



Genus — Totanus. Yellow-legs. 



254. Greater Yellow-legs, greater tell-tale. fr. — le grand chevalier a 

 pieds jaunes. le chevalier Atrx PATTES JATTNES. Totanus melanoleucus. L, 14. A 

 rather large Shore Bird. Upperparts to crown dark brown to black with small white or 

 grey markings and intrusive greyish feathers, giving a grey effect; without trace of buff 

 or rufous. Underparts white, streaked on foreneck; breast and flanks with distinct 

 streaks or bars of the same dark colour as on the back; legs very long and yellow. 



Distinctions. Size, yellow legs, and lack of any indication of buffy or rusty anywhere 

 are marks of the two Yellow-legs. In young autumn birds the breast and neck marks 

 may be veiled and indistinct. This and the next species distinguished when apart only 

 by size. 



Field Marks. Long, slender yellow legs, entire lack of ochraceous colour, size, and 

 the large amount of white or whitish on tail and rump. When once acquainted with it, 

 its flight is quite recognizable. 



