32 
BLACK-NECKED STILT. 
islets. The nest is very similar to that of the Willet, or Semi-palmated 
Snipe, Totanus semipalmatus , being rather large, and formed of dry weeds 
and the twigs of small shrubs. I have never observed the singular manner 
of augmenting and raising their tenements, described by Alexander Wil- 
son, although, like him, I have found and examined several in the very same 
districts. The eggs are always four, placed with the smaller ends together, 
pyriform, almost two inches long, with the smaller end rounded, If in their 
greatest breadth, of a pale yellowish-clay colour, and plentifully marked 
with large irregular blotches and lines of brownish-black. 
While the females are sitting, the males pay them much attention, acting 
in this respect like those of the American Avoset, watching .the approach of 
intruders, giving chase to the Red-winged Starlings, as well as to the Fishing 
and American Crows, and assailing the truant young gunner or egger. When 
there is no appearance of annoyance, they sometimes roam as far as the sea- 
beach. When the young are hatched, they leave the nest, and follow their 
parents through the grass, but on the appearance of danger squat and remain 
motionless. About the beginning of September, young and old commence 
their journey southward. 
This species is rather scarce along the shores of the Carolinas ; nor is it 
abundant in any part of the United States, and is seldom seen to the east- 
ward beyond Long Island. Its food consists of insects, small Crustacea, 
worms, and young fry of fishes. I have frequently observed them running- 
after flies, and attempting to seize the smaller Libellulas. When wounded 
so as to fall on the water, they are unable to dive, but on. reaching the shore 
they run nimbly off and hide themselves. 
I feel confident that in spring the males migrate apart from the females, 
but in autumn in company with them. The flesh of this species is not de- 
cidedly good or bad, being of ordinary quality. The males are larger than 
the females, and -individuals of both sexes vary considerably in size. 
Long-legged Avocet, Recurvirostra Ilimantopus , Wils. Amer. Orn., vol. vii. p. 48 
IIimantopus nigricollis, Bouap. Syii., p. 322. 
Black-necked Stilt, Nutt. Man., vol. ii. p. 8. 
Black-necked Stilt, Himantojms nigricollis , Aud. Orn. Biog., vol. iv. p. 247. 
Male, 14£, 27. Female, 14, 251. 
Rather common in Texas during spring. Breeds on different parts of the 
Atlantic coast, as far as Long Island. A few spend the winter about the 
mouths of the Mississippi. Migratory. 
Adult Male. 
Bill about twice as long as the head, very slender, roundish, tapering, 
slightly recurved. Upper mandible with its outline very slightly curved 
