The Western Solitary Sandpiper 
The most prominent characteristic of these Lesser Telltales, as they 
flutter about from place to place, or rise for extended flight, is the tail 
appearing almost white—for the cross-barring of the tail-feathers, while 
apparent enough in the hand, is scarcely noticeable at a distance. Upon 
alighting, the bird remains a moment with wings held daintily aloft, 
and if reassured, folds them quietly, one at a time, like a yacht hauling in 
sail, or simultaneously, as the case may be. On foot it is often restless, 
bobbing or teetering with nervous apprehension, and serving frequent 
notice of its readiness for departure. As though conscious, however, 
of its own preparedness, it will usually suffer a much nearer approach 
than most other species of waders. 
Taken in Santa Barbara Photo by the Author 
“THE YELLOWLEGS PREFERRED THE MILDER SOCIETY OF THE PHALAROPES AND WESTERNS” 
THE YELLOWLEGS IS THE LARGEST OF THE TRIO 
No. 247 
Western Solitary Sandpiper 
A. O. U. No. 256. Tringa solitaria cinnamomea (Brewster). 
Description. —Adult in summer: Above olive-brown, or fuscous with a faint 
greenish tinge, blackening on wings; the head and neck finely streaked, and the back, 
etc., distinctly speckled with whitish or buffy; upper tail-coverts dusky, the lateral 
feathers spotted or barred with white; central tail-feathers dusky, spotted on edges 
with white; the remaining feathers of tail white with heavy dusky bars; underparts 
white, the sides of neck and breast and across chest streaked with fuscous; the sides, 
axillars, and lining of wings white, barred with dusky. Bill blackish; feet and legs dull 
greenish black. Winter plumage: Colors more blended; olivaceous tinge of upper- 
parts nearly wanting; whitish spotting less pure; head and neck less distinctly streaked 
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