SANDPIPERS 
197 
of the tail. The nodding in these species is far more common than the teetering. It is in- 
dulged in at all times and in nearly all circumstances. Even when in repose, ever so often 
a slight nodding movement of the head can be observed; but when excited and nervous, 
scarcely a movement can be made without being preceded by an involuntary dip, and in 
pauses between action or in moments of irresolution the nodding becomes almost frantic. 
Distribution. North and South America. Breeds across the continent, from the Gulf 
of St. Lawrence, the north edge of the prairies, and central British Columbia northward. 
Much less common than the Lesser Yellow-legs. Migrates throughout southern Canada. 
The Greater Yellow-legs is one of the best known shore birds. Owing 
to its size and comparative numbers it is sought by sportsmen and it 
seems to have withstood their attacks better than many other apparently 
equally well-adapted species. It prefers marshy shores and mud to open 
sand and may be seen far out on the flats, wading about thigh deep, in 
water too deep for smaller waders. Its clear, flute-like, tremolo whistle 
in a descending scale is a sound to accelerate the pulse of any true sports- 
man or bird student. This species does not seem so numerous as, and 
is certainly more wary than, the Lesser Yellow-legs; otherwise this descrip- 
tion will do for both. 
255. Lesser Yellow-legs, little tell-tale. le petit chevalier a pattes 
jaunes. Tolanus flampes. L, 10-75. Almost exactly like the Greater Yellow-legs, but 
smaller in size. 
Distinctions. Ordinarily, distinguished from 
the Greater Yellow-legs only by smaller size. 
Careful comparison will show that the bill is 
perfectly straight, whereas that of the Greater is 
very slightly up-turned (Figure 281, compare 
with 280). 
Field Marks. Long, slender, yellow legs; 
entire lack of ochre or brown in coloration and 
large amount of white in tail and on rump will 
identify it as one of the two Yellow-legs; smaller 
size and perfectly straight bill as the Lesser. The 
Lesser Yellow-legs has the same nodding and teetering habits as the Greater, which see. 
Nesting. On the ground. 
Distribution. North and South America. Breeds from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the 
northern edge of prairies, and probably central British Columbia northward. Migrates 
throughout southern Canada. The breeding ranges of these two yellow-legs are not very 
well delimitated. See previous species. 
234. Knot, red-breasted plover, robin snipe, la maubeche a poitrine 
rousse. Calidris canutus. L, 10 ■ 50. A medium-sized sandpiper. Spring adult, brick-red 
Figure 282 
Knot; scale, L 
Adult 
Figure 283 
Bill of Knot; natural size. 
throat and breast; abdomen and undertail-coverts, white. Above, finely mottled with 
black, greys, and light ochre running into stripes on crown. Uppertail-co verts, not in- 
cluding lower back, white, barred with black. Autumn birds entirely different; pale 
