SANDPIPERS 105 



GREATER YELLOW-LEGS: Totanus melcmoleueus 



(Gmelin). 



State records. — The greater yellowlegs is a rather common 

 spring and fall migrant, both on the coast and about shallow 

 ponds and marshes in the interior. Avery noted it at Greens- 

 boro, September 3 and 16, 1886; and on Dauphin Island, 

 September 21, 1892, where also on March 22, 1912, I saw a 

 flock of about twelve, feeding in shallow pools; at Mont- 

 gomery one was seen April 19, 1912, and several were re- 

 ported a few days earlier. Two were seen at Leighton, No- 

 vember 3, 1915 ; two near Bayou Labatre November 12, 1915, 

 and single birds November 23 and 26, 1915. 



North-bound migrants arrive early in spring, one having 

 been seen by Avery at Greensboro, March 20, 1893. At 

 Leighton, McCormack reports the species common in spring 

 from April 15 to May 15, and in fall from July 23 to Septem- 

 ber 5. 



General habits. — This large wader, known to the older orni- 

 thologists as the "tell-tale godwit," frequents both fresh and 

 salt water marshes and is occasionally seen in overflowed 

 fields or pastures. It is a noisy bird, constantly on the alert 

 for any danger, and with its loud cries often alarms all the 

 other birds in its vicinity. When alighting it often raises its 

 wings above the body for a few moments before closing them. 

 It may be found singly or in flocks of considerable size. 



Food habits. — The food of the greater yellow-legs consists 

 of small fishes, crustaceans, moUusks, and aquatic insects. 



YELLOW-LEGS: Totanus flavipes (Gmelin). 



State records. — The "lesser" yellow-legs occurs as a com- 

 mon spring and fall migrant, both on the coastal marshes 

 and in the interior. Two were collected by Dr. Avery at 

 Greensboro, May 9, 1891, and two September 16, 1891. On 

 Dauphin Island, I saw several small flocks, March 22, 1912, 

 and two single birds July 5 and 6, 1913. Dr. Avery observed 

 a few there September 21, 1892. At Leighton, the species is 

 common, having been noted by McCormack, April 8, 1890 

 (about 20 birds) , and between July 24 and September 6, 1892. 



