GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 191 



Habits. — Like its congener, the Common Whimbrel, the 

 present species is a migratory bird and a northern one. Its 

 migrations are also performed about the same time. It passes 

 across the United States in flocks with great regularity during 

 May, appearing at the beginning of that month sometimes before 

 the snow has all melted, and frequenting the inland plains as well 

 as the salt marshes and mud-flats on the coast. A few birds begin 

 to return about the end of July, and the autumn migration extends 

 from that date to the end of October. It has been remarked by 

 observers that this Whimbrel shows more preference for the sea 

 coasts than inland districts, in autumn and winter, probably 

 because the supply of food is more regular and constant. Like 

 its allies it is a shy, wary bird, and seldom admits of a close 

 approach unless carefully stalked. In autumn and winter up to 

 the arrival on the breeding grounds in the following spring the 

 Eskimo Whimbrel is gregarious, but there is no evidence to show 

 that it is any more social than its allies during the nesting season. 

 The flight of this bird is rapid, and during migration especially is 

 made at a considerable altitude. The bird also possesses the 

 characteristic habit of gliding on motionless pinions before alight- 

 ing, and elevating them for a moment before they are folded close 

 to the body. Its note is described by Dr. Coues as a soft, mellow 

 whistle, oft repeated; as a chattering cry when on flight; and 

 when wounded as a harsh scream. The Eskimo Whimbrel is 

 much attached to certain haunts where its favourite food chances 

 to be abundant, often continuing to frequent the place after being 

 repeatedly shot at. ' Its food in summer consists of insects, worms, 

 and various kinds of berries and ground fruits, whilst on the coast 

 it is chiefly composed of small mollusks, crustaceans, and other 

 marine creatures. 



Nidification. — The breeding grounds of the Eskimo Whimbrel 

 are situated on the barren grounds or tundras of the Arctic regions 

 beyond the limits of forest growth. Like all other Arctic Waders 

 it breeds late, not being able to do so until the ground is free 

 from snow towards the end of June. The nest is placed on the 

 ground of the tundra, and is a mere hollow lined with a few scraps 

 of dry herbage and withered leaves. The eggs are normally four 

 in number. They range from brownish or grayish buff to greenish 



