252 SCOLOPACID^ : SNIPE, ETC. 



brown, the dark being in excess of the light color, and the 

 general effect as in hudsonicus. Tail barred much as in that 

 species. Primaries and most of the secondaries ^/iz/w/z^j-^roaj, 

 entirely lacking the variegation seen in the foregoing species 

 of the genus. Under parts ochraceous or somewhat rufescent, 

 very variable in tone, sometimes quite whitish ; marked as in the 

 other species with dusky arrow-heads, streaks, and bars, but these 

 more numerous, frequently occupying all the under parts except- 

 ing the chin and middle of belly. Axillars and lining of wings 

 rufescent, barred throughout with dusky. Bill black, with base 

 of lower mandible pale or yellowish. 



As Dr. Coues remarks, it is singular that this species 

 should not be common in New England, considering the 

 almost incredible numbers that take their departure 

 for the south from Labrador in early autumn : but 

 such, however, is the case. The birds probably take 

 flight from points further east, the majority proceeding 

 directly on their way without visiting our shores. It is 

 more numerous, however, in fall than in spring, at which 

 latter season it is comparatively seldom observed. It 

 may be seen sometimes so late as the middle of October, 

 and is on the whole the most numerous of the three 

 species of the genus. 



This species breeds in great numbers in the Anderson 

 River region, usually making up its nest-complement of 

 four eggs by the third week in June. The nest is 

 generally in an open plain, and is a mere depression in 

 the ground, lined with a few dried leaves or grasses. 

 The eggs vary to the great extent usually witnessed 

 among Waders. The ground is olive-drab, tending 

 either to green, gray, or brown in different instances. 

 The markings, always large, numerous and bold, are of 

 different depths of dark chocolate, bistre, and sepia 

 brown, with the ordinary stone-gray shell spots. They 



