THE BIRD BOOK 
231. Dowitciier. Macrorhamphus griseus. 
Range. — North America, most abundant in 
the eastern parts; breeds in the extreme north, 
and winters from the Gulf States to Northern 
South America. 
This species is 
commonly known 
as “Red-breasted 
Snipe” in late 
spring and sum- 
mer because of 
the rich, rusty 
red coloration of 
the underparts, 
and as “Gray- 
back in winter 
because of its 
color at that sea- 
son. They are very common along the Atlan- 
tic coast during the Spring migration; they 
can be easily identified by their very long 
bills, which are over two inches in length and 
nearly one quarter the length of the whole 
bird. They nest during June, placing their three or four eggs in a slight hol- 
low, which may or may not be lined with dried grass or leaves. The eggs have 
a greenish or brownish buff color and are boldly marked with dark brown. 
They do not differ greatly from those of the Snipe. Data. — Mackenzie River, 
June ?7, 1900. Pour eggs in a hollow in the grass, lined with dead grass. Col 
lector. Walter Raine. 
Dowitcher. 
Grenish buff 
144 
