BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 
179 
white, marked with reddish black on the upper, and a spot of the 
same near the end of the lower mandible ; feet, dark olive. 
Length 14.75, wing 7.45, tail 2.30, bill, from lower edge of 
frontal plate, 1 .40. 
Although some birds of this species remain in the Bahamas 
through the summer, their numbers are greatly augmented in winter 
by visitants from the United States. They are very abundant, and 
at times greatly annoy the sportsman by their incessant clamor as 
he is making his way through the swamps in search of more desir- 
able game, often frightening away the object of his pursuit long 
before he has approached within shooting distance. Their flesh is 
good, and much esteemed by the inhabitants. They are generally 
found in flocks frequenting the lakes and ponds. 
Fig. Aud. Bds. N. A., Vol. V. pi. 305. 
