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PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
with deep brownish, light ashy and reddish ; the breast and jugulum with an 
ashy or brownish suffusion, the rest of the under parts being white. All, ex- 
cept A. Bonapartei, and A. Cooperi, have a central blackish field on the rump. 
The genus comes nearest to Pelidna Cuvier, (Regn. Anim. 1817 ; type T. cin- 
clus, L.) which, however, differs in the long decurved bill and some other pe- 
culiarities. 
Actodkomas maculata (Vieill.) Cassin. — Pectoral Sandpiper. “Grass-snipe.” 
Tringa pectoralis, Aud., Birds Amer. v. 259, pi. 329. 
Tringa ( Actodromas ) maculata , Cassin, Gen. Rep. 720. 
The “ Grass-snipe,” as this species is most appropriately called, differs es- 
sentially in its habits from any other Sandpiper with which I am acquainted, 
except the A. minutlla. Between these two species, however, there is a 
striking similarity, both as regards form, color and general habits. I first 
noticed the Pectoral Sandpiper at Henley Harbor, on the 20th of August, when 
it had commenced its southern migration. I there found it abundant, and 
had ample opportunities both of observing its habits and procuring specimens. 
This species is seldom or never seen on open sandy beaches, as it prefers at 
all times the low muddy flats laid bare by the tide, the pools and ditches 
which intersect them, and the salt marshes by which they are bordered. They 
are not restricted to the neighborhood of the sea, but frequent low wet mea- 
dows and fields at a great distance from any large body of water. There they 
walk slowly and sedately through the grass in search of food, having little or 
none of the restless activity which characterizes most Sandpipers. While thus 
engaged the tail is generally elevated, somewhat on the manner of the Zenai- 
dura Carolinensis , if comparison can be made between two birds so dissimilar. 
This habit of frequenting meadows has gained for them their common appella- 
tion of “ Grass-snipe.” When they rise from the grass to alight again at a 
short distance, they do so in silence, or with a single “ tweet,” and fly slowly 
evenly, and with the wings deeply incurved. When, however, they are fright- 
ened, by being repeatedly forced up, or when they are suddenly startled, they 
spring vigorously, emitting loud rapidly repeated notes, and fly in a quick 
zigzag manner, like the common snipe. They are then equally difficult to 
shoot. On several occasions I have noticed a habit which this bird possesses, 
which I do not recollect of ever having seen stated. When suddenly startled 
they rise with a loud note, and mounting very high in the air circle over the 
head of the intruder for several minutes, flying with very great rapidity and 
in perfect silence. When about to alight, which they often do at the very 
spot from which they rose, they nearly close the wings, and dart suddenly 
down in an almost perpendicular direction. This curious habit I have also ob- 
served at Portsmouth, N. H., and frequently at Washington, D. C. 
This species is found in pairs or singly, and never, I believe, in flocks of 
any extent. They are very tame and unsuspicious, permitting a near approach 
without becoming alarmed. In the fall they are excessively fat and delicately 
flavored, and afford delicious eating. Very little is known of their breeding 
places, or of their peculiar habits during the season of reproduction. 
Actodkomas miktjtilla (Vieill.) Coues. — Least Sandpiper. “Peep.” 
Tringa minutilla, Vieillot, Nouv. Diet. 1819, xxxiv. 466. Gray, Genera, 1849, 
iii. 579. 
Actodromas minutilla , Coues, Monog. Tring. N. A., in Pr. A. N. S. Ph. July, 
1861, 191. 
Tringa pusilla , Wilson, Am. Orn. 1813, v. 32, pi. xxxvii. fig. 4 ; id. Brew. 
Ed. 1840,’ 347, fig. 161 ; id. Ord. Ed. 1829, iii. 134 ; nec Linnsei. Swainson, 
F. B. A. 1831, ii. 386. Audubon, Orn. Bios;. 1834, iv. 180 ; id. Birds 
Amer. 1842, v. 280, pi. 337 ; id. Syn. 1839, 237. Giraud, Birds L. I. 1844, 
240. Gray, Genera, 1849, iii. 579. 
[Aug. 
