DOWITCHER. 
169 
preceding probing the Sphagnum and mud in quest of insects 
and minute shell-fish. The manners of this bird are similar to 
those of the L.fedoa, and in most respects it makes an ap- 
proach to the Black-tailed species of Europe ; it is, however, 
somewhat larger, and readily contradistinguished. 
The Hudsonian Godwit is more frequently seen on the Atlantic 
coast than is its larger relative, but it is not at all common, and is 
seen only or generally in the autumn. It breeds in the higher 
Arctic regions, — on the Barren Grounds, — and winters in South 
America. 
Note. — The Black-tailed Godwit {Limosa limosa) occurs 
occasionally in Greenland. 
DOWITCHER. 
BROWN-BACK. ROBIN-SNIPE. RED-BREASTED SNIPE. 
GRAY SNIPE. 
Macrorhampus GRISEUS. 
Char. Summer ; above, dusky, varied with bay ; rump white, barred 
with dusky ; tail with black and buff bars ; below, bay, varied with dusky. 
Ill winter the upper parts are dark gray, the rump pure white, and the 
lower parts white, shaded on the breast with gray. Length about 10% 
inches. Similar to Wilson’s Snipe, but distinguished by its longer legs. 
Nnst. On marshy border of pond or stream, — a depression in the turf 
lined with leaves and grass. 
Eggs. 4 ; pale olive brown, spotted with dark brown ; 1.70 X 1.15. 
The Red-breasted Snipe begins to visit the sea-coast of New 
Jersey early in April, arriving from its winter quarters, probably 
in tropical America. After spending about a month on the 
muddy marshes and sand-flats left bare by the recess of the 
tides, a more powerful impulse than that of hunger impels 
the wandering flocks towards their natal regions in the North, 
where, secluded from the prying eye of man, and relieved from 
molestation, they pass the period of reproduction, the wide 
range of which continues, without interruption, from the bor- 
ders of Lake Superior to the shores of the Arctic Sea. On the 
