196 THE GAME BIEDS AND WILD FOWL 



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 

 alighting, 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 greyish-buff to greenish-olive in ground-colour, blotched 

 and spotted with brown of various shades, and with pale underlying markings of 

 greyish-brown. They are pyriform, and measure on an average 2'0 inches in 

 length by 1'4 inch in breadth. Although MacFarlane, Eichardson, and others 

 have had ample opportunity of observing the breeding habits of the Eskimo 

 Whimbrel, there are many points still unknown. How long the period of incu- 

 bation lasts, whether both sexes sit, or male or female alone, whether more than 

 one brood is reared, all remain to be determined. MacFarlane states that the 

 hen bird, as a rule, glided from the nest whilst he was still at some distance, so 

 that the eggs were discovered with great difficulty, as they closely resemble 

 surrounding objects in colour. 



Diagnostic characters.— Numenius, with a pale mesial stripe, and with 

 the primaries unbarred. Length, 14 inches. 



