Sept., 1922 THE SUMMER AVIFAUNA OF BIRD ISLAND, TEXAS 175 
stances. No birds in the white phase were seen. The adults were quite timid. 
23. Hydranassa tricolor ruficollis. Louisiana Heron. An abundant breeding spe- 
cies, somewhat more common than the preceding, on both islands. The nests were very 
similar in construction, position, and in the condition of the eggs, though there were 
no young hatched when we left. Distinctly less timid, the birds were, however, unap- 
proachable for photographic purposes. . 
24. Florida caerulea. Little Blue Heron. Five individuals of this species were 
seen on Padre on June 1. There is no evidence of breeding in the vicinity. 
25. Butorides virescens virescens. Green Heron. A breeding species locally 
along the mainland, where the birds nest in low trees, often mesquite. Several visited 
the inland lagoon on Bird Island on May 27, 30, and June 2. Seen twice en route to the 
island, flying near the shore, and once on Padre on May 30. 
P 26. Nycticorax nycticorax naevius. Black-crowned Night Heron. Seen only on 
Padre Island, where four birds were seen on June 1. These birds seemed very much 
concerned at our presence, and their actions indicated the possibility of a nest. Heard 
often during the night, when their hoarse croaking indicated that the birds were going 
toward the mainland. 
27. Gallinula galeata. Florida Gallinule. A single bird of the species, in full 
summer plumage, was in the lagoon on the island when we arrived. It left at once, but 
was back again the next morning. When the bird left this time it did not return. 
28. Fulica americana. Coot. A single Coot was present on Big Bird Island all 
the time we were there. It frequented the sand spit at the north end, and was always in 
close association with the pelicans. Whenever the pelicans left the island, the coot 
went along; when they returned, it returned also. There was no sign of a mate. Sev- 
eral coots were seen near the mainland at various times. 
29. Himantopus mexicanus. Black-necked Stilt. One individual of this beauti- 
ful species—the first the writer had seen alive—was found wading at the edge of the 
water on Little Bird Island on May 29. As we approached, it flew a short distance, 
then settled on the water and swam toward Padre. No breeding evidence. 
30. Macrorhamphus griSeus griseus. Dowitcher. One representative of this 
species was seen twice on Little Bird. As the species is rare in this region during the 
late spring, and as the bird showed marked difficulties in flying, I am led to the belief 
that the bird was a stranded “cripple” left over from the shooting season. 
31. Pelidna alpina sakhalina. Red-backed Sandpiper. A flock of nine of these 
birds was seen May 27, 28, and 29, on Bird Island. The birds frequented the shore-line 
and the edge of the large lagoon within the island, and were very tame. Remained at 
the south end of the island most of the time, often coming within a few yards of our 
camp. Migrants only. 
32. Calidris leucophaea. Sanderling. Two dead individuals were found at the 
north end of Little Bird Island, badly disintegrated, but identifiable by the absence 
of the hind toe. Migrants only. 
33. Totanus melanoleucus. Greater Yellow-legs. Three Greater Yellow-legs 
were seen on Bird Island the day we arrived, but were not seen again. Padre Island, 
May 30, two; Little Bird Island, May 31, three. Migrant only. 
34. Totanus flavipes. Lesser Yellow-legs. A little flock of six frequented the 
south end of Bird Island near camp during our entire stay, seldom leaving the point 
unless frightened by our approach. 
35. Numenius americanus. Long-billed Curlew. Two birds of this species were 
standing near the water on Little Bird when we aproached it on May 31. The birds 
were so tame that we rowed past within twenty-five feet of them. These birds re- 
mained on the island all that day, leaving toward dusk. 
36. Oxyechus vociferus. Killdeer. A common breeding species along the main- 
land and on Padre Island, where young birds were already hatched on May 30. Sev- 
eral of the species were seen on Bird Island, where they remained only for a few hours. 
37. Aegialitis nivosa. Snowy Plover. Several pairs of this plover were seen on 
Padre Island, and a single bird visited Bird Island on May 30. From the behavior of 
the birds on Padre, I have no doubt that they breed there, though the nests were not 
found. 
38. Ochthodromus wilsonius. Wilson Plover. A common species along the 
coast, and seen on all of the islands. Breeds in suitable places, but nesting had not 
yet begun when the writer left the region. 
