KNOT 271 



small outlying rocky islets, such, as Gull Eocks at Cohasset, 

 Mass., and Cormorant Eock, south of Ehode Island. It is 

 generally found in small flocks, which permit a very near 

 approach. Its note is a whistling twitter. The fact that no 

 other sandpiper occurs in such localities in winter makes it 

 very easy to identify, even if its grayish color, short legs, 

 and squat figure did not distinguish it. 



Knot. Tringa eanutus 



10.50. Bill 1.30 



Ad. in spring. — Upper parts gray, spotted with black and 

 reddish-brown ; rump and base of tail lighter ; sides of head and 

 under parts bay. Ad. in fall. — Upper parts bluish-gray ; rump 

 and base of tail white, barred with black ; under parts bay, blotched 

 with white. Im. — Upper parts as in fall adult ; under parts 

 white, without any bay ; throat and breast streaked with dusky. 



The Knot is a common migrant along the coast in May, 

 and again in July, August, and September. It frequents 

 mud-flats and sand-bars, but is also commonly found on the 

 outer beaches. It is either stupid or else very unsuspicious, 

 and allows a near approach. Old birds are easily recognized 

 by their bay breasts ; they may be readily distinguished 

 from adult Dowitohers, which also have reddish-brown 

 breasts, by the light color of their upper parts and by their 

 much shorter bill. Young birds have light under parts, and 

 must be recognized by the general light gray tone of the 

 upper parts and the still whiter tail. Their note has been 

 described as like the soft whit whit that one uses in 

 whistling a dog back. 



Stilt Sandpiper. Micropalama himantopus 



8.25. Bill 1.55 



Ad. in fall and winter. — Upper parts brownish-gray; line over 

 eye and under parts white; neck and breast streaked with gray; 

 tail white; legs yellowish-green. Im. — Similar, but upper parts 

 blackish, the feathers bordered with buff. 



