FHALAROFE— GULLS 113 



inches. Like that of the Snipe and Woodcock, this 

 plumage is worn throughout the year. 



A commoner species along our coasts is the Hud- 

 sonian Curlew, a smaller form than the preceding. 

 The Eskimo Curlew is more frequently met with in 

 the interior, being more of a field bird than either of 

 the others mentioned. 



The species figured is the European Curlew, which 

 closely resembles the American. See Plate 31, Fig. 

 176. 



The Phalaropes are small birds, in general appear- 

 ance resembling the Sandpipers, but having lobed 

 toes. The wings are long and the tail rather short. 

 They breed in the Arctic regions and migrate south- 

 ward in winter. 



The largest and most beautiful species is Wilson's 

 Phalarope, found only in America, chiefly in the in- 

 terior of the country. The female exceeds the male 

 in size and beauty, and he performs the duties of nest- 

 building and brooding the eggs. The plumage is ash- 

 colour above, varied with chestnut, and white below; 

 the bill and feet are black. 



The Jacanas are related to the Plover tribe and are 

 found in both America and Europe. These are small 

 birds, having enormously long toes and claws that 

 enable them to walk with ease over floating aquatic 

 plants. The commonest species in this country is the 

 Mexican Jacana. The tail is short and the wings are 

 provided with spurs that are used in fighting, the birds 

 being very quarrelsome. They are found along the 

 banks of streams and ponds, but are imable to swim. 



