4io The Water-fowl Family 



rather small numbers, and the large body un- 

 doubtedly pass through the interior, up the Mis- 

 sissippi Valley, along with small yellowlegs and 

 various other members of our shore-bird families. 

 At this time they hurry along, spending but little 

 time en route. 



On the marshes of Long Island and New Eng- 

 land a few are seen late in April, but this date 

 is early, and May is the most likely time for the 

 appearance of those birds passing north along 

 the coast. 



The breeding-ground is in the far North, but 

 a few birds undoubtedly rarely nest within our 

 boundaries. Incubation is begun in June, the 

 birds selecting a marsh along some inland lake 

 or perhaps close to the shore, laying their eggs 

 in a slight depression on the ground. By late 

 July the young are left to care for themselves. 



GRAY YELLOWLEGS 

 {Totanus melanoleucus frazari) 



Adult in breeding plumage — Similar to T. melanoleucus, but slightly 

 larger ; with broader white edgings to the feathers of the upper 

 parts, especially the crown and nape ; the dark markings of the 

 lower parts extending farther over the abdomen in the form of 

 broad black bars, and the white chin invaded by small black 

 dots. 



Adults and young in winter — Similar to T. melanoleucus but "much 

 grayer, the white streaks of the nape and top of head broader, 

 the dark streaks of the jugulum, breast, and sides of neck and 

 the dark bars on the sides fewer, finer, and fainter ; the sides of 



