32 BLACK-NECKED STILT. 



islets. The nest is very similar to that of the Willet, or Semi-palmated 

 Snipe, Tot anus semipalmatus, being rather large, and formed of dry weeds 

 and the twigs of small shrubs. I have never observed the singular manner 

 of augmenting and raising their tenements, described by Alexander Wil- 

 son, although, like him, I have found and examined several in the very same 

 districts. The eggs are always four, placed with the smaller ends together, 

 pyriform, almost 2 inches long, with the smaller end rounded, If in their 

 greatest breadth, of a pale yellowish-clay colour, and plentifully marked 

 with large irregular blotches and lines of brownish-black. 



While the females are sitting, the males pay them much attention, acting 

 in this respect like those of the American Avoset, watching the approach of 

 intruders, giving chase to the Red-winged Starlings, as well as to the Fishing 

 and American Crows, and assailing the truant young gunner or egger. When 

 there is no appearance of annoyance, they sometimes roam as far as the sea- 

 beach. When the young are hatched, they leave the nest, and follow their 

 parents through the grass, but on the appearance of danger squat and remain 

 motionless. About the beginning of September, young and old commence 

 their journey southward. 



This species is rather scarce along the shores of the Carolinas; nor is it 

 abundant in any part of the United States, and is seldom seen to the east- 

 ward beyond Long Island. Its food consists of insects, small Crustacea, 

 worms, and young fry of fishes. I have frequently observed them running 

 after flies, and attempting to seize the smaller Libellulse. When wounded 

 so as to fall on the water, they are unable to dive, but on reaching the shore 

 they run nimbly off and hide themselves. 



I feel confident that in spring the males migrate apart from the females, 

 but in autumn in company with them. The flesh of this species is not de- 

 cidedly good or bad, being of ordinary quality. The males are larger than 

 the females, and individuals of both sexes vary considerably in size. 



Long-legged Avocet, Recurvirostra Himantopus, Wils. Araer. Orn., vol. vii. p. 48. 



Himantopds nigricollis, Bonap. Syn.. p. 322. 



Black-necked Stilt, Nutt. Man., vol. ii. p. 8. 



Black-necked Stilt, Himantopus nigricollis, Aud. Orn. Biog., vol. iv. p. 247. 



Male, 141, 27. Female, 14, 25f. 



Rather common in Texas during spring. Breeds on different parts of the 

 Atlantic coast, as far as Long Island. A few spend the winter about the 

 mouths of the Mississippi. Migratory. 



Adult Male. 



Bill about twice as long as the head, very slender, roundish, tapering, 

 slightly recurved. Upper mandible with its outline very slightly curved 



