126 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



in eastern Nebraska. Wilson's and the Gray Snipe are abundant 

 during the migrating seasons. The Least and Baird's Sandpiper 

 are also common during their migrations. The great Marbled 

 Godwit breeds in the State. The greater and lesser Tattler abound 

 here along rivers and creeks. The Wood Tattler occasionally 

 breeds here. The most abundant of the tattlers is the Bartramian 

 or Upland Plover. It is very abundant during its migrations and 

 many remain to breed. The Long-billed Curlew was formerly 

 very abundant and still is in the new sections of the State. Gun- 

 ners easily frighten it away and the following season it rarely returns. 



The Great Blue Heron comes occasionally to our rivers. The 

 White Heron, Snowy Heron and American Bittern are rare in the 

 State. 



The Whooping and Sand Hill Crane are both in Nebraska, and 

 the latter quite abundantly. The three species of rail in the State 

 occur at long intervals. The American Coot, or Mud Hen, is often 

 met in the State, and is remarkable for feeding on insects and mol- 

 lusks. 



The Anserine Birds, to which the swans, geese and ducks belong, 

 are fully represented in the State. Ten genera and at least twelve 

 species have been noted in my previous publications, and since then 

 several more species have come to light. The Trumpeter Swan is 

 here, but very rare. The White Brant is very abundant during its 

 migrations. The common Wild Goose is equally common at these 

 seasons. 



The Mallard was formerly exceedingly common in the State 

 during its migrations, but is now much less so, owing no doubt to 

 the manner in which it is hunted down. Many formerly brought 

 forth their young in northern Nebraska. The Green-winged Teal 

 is also abundant during its migrations. The Blue- winged Teal 

 and Shoveller are rarer than the preceding. The Wood Duck is 

 common in some years, and breeds in north Nebraska. The Butter 

 Ball and Ruddy Duck are common along the Missouri and on its 

 tributaries for a short distance. 



Of the Totipalmate Birds, only two species of Pelican visit the 

 State. 



Of the Long-winged Swimmers, there are four genera and ten 

 species, one of which I found since my previous list was published. 

 Of the Gulls, the Ring-billed and Franklin's Rosy Gull are the 

 most common during the migrating season. Of the Terns, the 



