148 FEATHERED GAME 
averaging slightly larger, a little darker in color 
and having a somewhat longer bill, Macrorham- 
phus griseus scolopaceus. This is as rarely 
taken on the range of the eastern variety as is 
the eastern bird in the country of his relation, 
but if they chance to meet they travel together 
in most cousinly fashion. 
Our eastern bird is marked thus: above, black, 
varied with reddish brown, tawny yellow, and 
on the back with white; these last colors mainly 
on the tips and edges of the feathers. Top of 
the head dusky; a whitish line running from 
the base of the bill over the eye; a dusky patch 
extending from the bill to the eye. Throat, 
breast and sides russet brown and reddish, 
paler underneath and with dusky marks and 
barrings. Tail and its upper coverts black, 
with white or light reddish barrings. Rump 
white, showing sharply as the bird flies. Bill 
and feet greenish black; feet slightly webbed, 
so that the bird, like most shorebirds, is a fair 
swimmer at need. The female is similarly col- 
ored though a trifle paler and is a bit smaller 
than her mate. Though not so ‘‘stocky’’ in 
figure, the Brown-back is altogether snipe-like in 
appearance. 
