The Western Solitary Sandpiper 



The most prominent characteristic of these Lesser Telltales, as they 

 flutter about from place to place, or rise for extended flight, is the tail 

 appearing almost white — for the cross-barring of the tail-feathers, while 

 apparent enough in the hand, is scarcely noticeable at a distance. Upon 

 alighting, the bird remains a moment with wings held daintily aloft, 

 and if reassured, folds them quietly, one at a time, like a yacht hauling in 

 sail, or simultaneously, as the case may be. On foot it is often restless, 

 bobbing or teetering with nervous apprehension, and serving frequent 

 notice of its readiness for departure. As though conscious, however, 

 of its own preparedness, it will usually suffer a much nearer approach 

 than most other species of waders. 



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Taken in Santa Barbara Photo by the Author 



"THE YELLOWLEGS PREFERRED THE MILDER SOCIETY OF THE PHALAROPES AND WESTERNS" 



THE YELLOWLEGS IS THE LARGEST OF THE TRIO 



No. 247 



Western Solitary Sandpiper 



A. O. U. No. 256. Tringa solitaria cinnamomea (Brewster). 



Description. — Adult in summer: Above olive-brown, or fuscous with a faint 

 greenish tinge, blackening on wings; the head and neck finely streaked, and the back, 

 etc., distinctly speckled with whitish or buffy; upper tail-coverts dusky, the lateral 

 feathers spotted or barred with white; central tail-feathers dusky, spotted on edges 

 with white; the remaining feathers of tail white with heavy dusky bars; underparts 

 white, the sides of neck and breast and across chest streaked with fuscous; the sides, 

 axillars, and lining of wings white, barred with dusky. Bill blackish; feet and legs dull 

 greenish black. Winter plumage: Colors more blended; olivaceous tinge of upper- 

 parts nearly wanting; whitish spotting less pure; head and neck less distinctly streaked 



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