SANDPIPERS 
209 
and at all seasons by the all-dark, white-shafted primaries without marbling (Compare 
with Figure 299) and white uppertail-coverts. This species shows almost endless variation 
between the above plumages, but suggestions of the spring coloration are usually recog- 
nizable in all except young birds. 
Field Marks. Large size, straight or slightly turned-up bill, and white coverts at base 
of black tail, will separate this from either the curlews or the Marbled Godwit, which are 
the only species that are likely to be confused with it. 
Dislribidioji. North and South America. Breeds in the north from Mackenzie 
Valley eastward to Hudson Bay. Migrates through the prairies and the east, south to 
Patagonia. 
The Hudsomau Godwit is a fine bird on the verge of extinction. As 
frequently happens, it seemed to disappear suddenly and before its growing 
scarcity was realized. It is doubtful whether shooting in this country was 
altogether responsible for this condition. When a species is greatly reduced 
in numbers by any cause, an otherwise comparatively unimportant adverse 
influence may suffice to snuff it out unexpectedly. Protection is ineffective 
when delayed so long that the breeding stock is too greatly reduced for 
recovery. This godwit disappeared before serious effects of western settle- 
ment could have occurred, and we can console ourselves with the reflection 
that its disappearance was probably due mostly to conditions on the 
Argentine pampas and in its winter quarters. 
260. Ruff ( female , Reeve). le chevalier combattant. Philomachus pugnax. 
L, 12-5. A rather large sandpiper. Male in breeding condition exceedingly variable 
in coloration, in fact it is said that no two ruffs are ever exactly alike in colour. With 
extraordinary feather ruff or frontal shield on neck and breast. This shield may be either 
black, white, or red, nearly immaculate or heavily barred with any of these colours. The 
female, called Reeve, is dull, dark sandy without any striking colours. 
Figure .301 
Reeve and Ruff; scale, §. 
Distinctions. The male in spring plumage is unmistakable. In other plumages, 
and the female, of general soft, earthy coloration, with breast evenly clouded or margined 
with faint, broad, scale-like crescents without indication of striping. In this plumage to 
be identified in Canada with great care. About the size of a knot, or larger, with unusually 
long, pale yellow legs with feet extending well beyond the tail tip. 
Distribution, Eastern hemisphere. Of only accidental occurrence in Canada. There 
are individual records for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and southern Ontario. 
