MACRORHAMPHUS SCOLOPACEUS. 
LONG-BILLED SNIPE. 
LIMOSA SCOLOPACEUS. Say. Long’s Exp. (1823), Yol. II. p. 170. 
SCOLOPAX LONGIEOSTRIS. Bell. Ann. X. Y. Lyc. (1852), Yol. Y. p. 3. 
MACRO RHAMPHUS SCOLOPACEUS. Law. Ann. X. Y. Lyc. (1852), Yol. Y. p. 4, pi. I. Cass. B. of X. Amei\, p. 712. 
The present species has been generally confounded with its near relative the M. G-mens or Red-breasted Snipe, and indeed to a casual 
observer little, if any, differences would be perceptible. But the student of Nature, accustomed to more critical examinations, easily detects the 
variations which are thought sufficient to constitute species, and at length the bird now under consideration, has been generally acknowledged as 
distinct from its ally. It is a native of the entire temperate regions of North America, though rather rare on the Atlantic Coast. Goes in 
flocks, frequently associating with the Red-breasted Snipe, but may easily be distinguished from that species by its longer bill and tarsi, as well as 
its generally larger size. It feeds upon small insects which it seizes as they pass, and is accustomed to probe the sand-bars and muddy flats 
left exposed by the receding tide, in the same manner as do the Woodcock or Common Suipe. Its flight is easy, rapid, and often continued for a 
considerable length of time. The note of this species is a soft whistle, and is frequently uttered when the bird is flying about looking for 
companions or a suitable place to procure a meal. Gentle and unsuspicious in its nature, it is easily approached, and readily replies to the 
sportsman’s call as he lures it to the fatal decoys. Nothing is known of the breeding-places of the members of this genus, but they doubtlessly 
proceed far to the North for the purpose of incubation. The Long-billed Snipe in Summer has the head, neck, and entire upper parts ferrugi- 
nous red, with circular narrow spots of black upon the former, but covered with large blotches of the same color upon the back, the feathers 
of which are also tipped with ash. Wings light brown, each feather edged with bright ash ; primaries dark brown. Rump and upper tail 
coverts white, spotted with black. Tail ferruginous, banded with black. Under parts pale red, with transverse bands on the sides. Bill greenish 
black ; legs and feet dark brown. 
In Winter the rufous coloring entirely disappears, and the head and neck is a dark ash, tinged with purplish. Entire upper parts dark 
ash brown. Under parts pure white, marked on the sides with spots of dull ashy white. 
The plate represents specimens in both the plumages above described. The figures are the size of life. 
