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A Pioneer History of Becker County. 167 
wing when disturbed, it is not easy to observe and may be 
long overlooked where it is not uncommon. 
51. Coot, Mud-hen ( Fulica americana ). 
An abundant and well-known bird, breeding in great 
numbers in sloughs and marshy lakes. 
The Florida Gallinule ( Gallinula galcata ) may occasion¬ 
ally occur in similar surroundings, though it is naturally a 
more southern bird. The red bill and frontal shield will 
distinguish it from the Coot, in which the bill is white 
with brown shield. The Gallinule, in habits, is more like 
a Rail than a Coot. 
52. Wilson's Piiaearope ( Steganopus tricolor). 
This gentle, graceful bird is a common summer resident on 
the prairie meadows. Contrary to the usual custom, the 
female Phalarope is the gay-colored member of the family, 
and leaves the incubation of the eggs and care of the 
young to her plainly-colored mate. 
Another species, the Northern Phalarope, probably occurs 
as a rare migrant. 
53. Avocet ( Rccurz irostra americana). 
Formerly a breeding bird throughout the prairie regions 
of Minnesota, now of rare occurrence. 
54. Woodcock ( Philohela minor). 
Frequents low, wet woodland. Uncommon. 
55. Wilson's Snipe, Jack Snipe ( Gallinago dclicata). 
A common bird in meadows and along the marshy borders 
of lakes and streams, especially in spring and fall, a few 
nesting in such localities. 
56. Long-billed DowitciiER, Red-breasted Snipe ( Macrosham - 
phus scolopaceus). 
Breeds in the far north; migrates through our state in 
little flocks, when it is to be found frequenting sloughs or 
marshes. 
7. Stilt Sandpiper ( Micropalama hymantopus). 
A rare migrant. 
58. Knot, Robin Snipe ( Tringa canutus). 
May occur as a rare migrant. 
59. Pectoral Sandpiper, Jack Snipe ( Tringa maculata). 
Usually a common migrant. 
