Species II. TRINGA SOLITARIA* 



SOLITARY SANDPIPER. 



[Plate LVIII. Fig. 3.] 



This new species inhabits the watery solitudes of our highest moun- 

 tains during the summer, from Kentucky to New York ; but is nowhere 

 numerous, seldom more than one or two being seen together. It takes 

 short low flights ; runs nimbly about among the mossy margins of the 

 mountain springs, brooks and pools, occasionally stopping, looking at 

 you, and perpetually nodding the head. It is so unsuspicious, or so 

 little acquainted with man, as to permit one to approach within a few 

 yards of it, without appearing to take any notice, or to be the least 

 alarmed. At the approach of cold weather, it descends to the muddy 

 shores of our large rivers, where it is occasionally met with, singly, on 

 its way to the south. I have made many long and close searches for 

 the nest of this bird, without success. They regularly breed on Pocono 

 Mountain, between Easton and Wilkesbarre, in Pennsylvania, arriving 

 there early in May, and departing in September. It is usually silent, 

 unless when suddenly flushed, when it utters a sharp whistle. 



This species has considerable resemblance, both in manners and mark- 

 ings, to the Green Sandpiper of Europe (Tringa Ochropus) ; but differs 

 from that bird in being nearly one-third less, and in wanting the white 

 rump and tail-coverts of that species ; it is also destitute of its silky 

 olive green plumage. How far north its migrations extend I am unable 

 to say. 



The Solitary Sandpiper is eight inches and a half long, and fifteen 

 inches in extent ; the bill is one inch and a quarter in length and dusky ; 

 nostrils pervious, bill fluted above and below ; line over the eye, chin, 

 belly and vent, pure white ; breast white, spotted with pale olive brown ; 

 crown and neck above dark olive, streaked with white ; back, scapulars 

 and rump, dark brown olive, each feather marked along the edges with 

 small round spots of white ; wings plain, and of a darker tint ; under 

 tail-covert spotted with black ; tail slightly rounded, the five exterior 

 feathers on each side white, broadly barred with black ; the two middle 

 ones, as well as their coverts, plain olive ; legs long, slender, and of a 

 dusky green. Male and female alike in color. 



* Totanus glareolus, Ord's reprint, vii., p. 57. — Totanus chloropygius, Vieill. — 

 Prince Musignano, 6en. N. A. Birds. 



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