THE BIRD BOOK 



2."1. DowiTCHER. IShicrnrhumplius griseus. 



Range. — North America, most abundant in 

 tlie eastern parts; breeds in the extreme iiortli, 

 and winters from the Gulf States to Northern 

 South America. 



This species is 

 commonly known 

 as "Red-breasted 

 Snipe" in late 

 spring and sum- 

 .,_^„^^„,___ mer because of 



i^m|Bfc'''*'<^^?^^^B|^ ■ the rich, ruSty 



W'^ ¥ \ ^^^ red coloration of 



■ " the underparts, 



and as "Gray- 

 bacls: in winter 

 because of its 

 color at that sea- 

 son. They are very common along the Atlan- 

 tic coast during the Spring migration; they 

 can be easily identified by their very long 

 bills, which are over two inches in length and 

 nearly one quarter the length of the whole 

 placing their three or four eggs in a sliglit hol- 

 low, which may or may not be lined witli dried grass or leaves. The eggs have 

 a greenish or brownish buff color and are boldly marked with dark brown. 

 They do not differ greatly from those of the Snipe. Data. — Mackenzie River, 

 June ''7. 1900. Four eggs in a hollow in the grass, lined with dead grass. Co!, 

 lector- Walter Raine. 



Grcnish buff; 



"^Sf 



^zr^''^*^ 



Do^vilcher. 

 bird. They nest during June, 



LOON. 



144 



