DOWITCHER. 
231. MacrorJiamphus griseus. 11 inches. 
Bill very long like that of the Snipe. In summer these birds 
are reddish brown below; more or less specked with black on 
the breast and barred with black on the sides; above mottled 
with brown and black, lighter or even white on the rump, 
crossed with wavy lines of black. 
In winter they are gray above and white below. By the 
gunners known as “Red-breasted Snipe’ ’ in the spring and 
summer and as “Graybaeks” in the winter months. 
Nest. —Blaced in a slight hollow on the ground and lined with 
grass and leaves; three or four eggs of a greenish buff color 
boldly marked with brown most heavily about the larger end 
(1.75 x 1.15). 
STILT SANDPIPER. 
233. Micropalama himantopus. 9 inches. 
These seem to be one of the least abundant of our shore 
birds, single individuals being found in flocks of other species 
rather than in flocks by themselves. Bill slender and only 
moderately long. In summer the entire under parts are a rusty 
white, closely barred with blackish. In winter they are gray 
above and white below. 
76 
