Distribution in Gugtemala.--On the Pacific Coast. 
a” a f 
Records.--Near Sipacate and Playa Grande at the mouth of the Rio Samala, January 29, 
11 1947. ter hs 
1947: near Champerico and Playa Grande, February ii, : 
e In i cuweaiies it has been recorded at Chiapam (Salvin and Godman); near 
Champerico, September 10, and at Océs in late September and October (Griscom). 
Habits and Hunting.--The avocet usually frequents coastal mud flats and very shallow 
lagoons. . 
= This handsome shorebird, like other members of its family, should be fully 
protected. | 
78. Burhinus bistriatus bistriatus (Wagler) 
Central American Thick-knee 
a 
Other Names.— ye 
Guatemalan: alcaravan 
English : big plover, desert plover 
Status.~-The thick-knee is a relatively scarce and very local resident. 
p - i ize of a long~billed 
Description.--A very large, brown plover-like bird about the s 
curlew, but with a large head, large eyes, and short, stout bill; underparts buffy 
or grayish white; legs long, greenish-yellow; iris yellow. 
Voice.--A rattling, staccato series of notes, often given at night, as well as during the 
day. 
Measurements.-= 

° Male (6) Female (4) | 
Wing, 261 - 273 (267.5) Wing, 255 - 269 (262) i 
Tail, 132 - 139 (134.1) Tail, 124 - 132 (128.4) | 
Tarsus, 113 - 121 (116.5) Tarsus, 110 - 122 (116.4) —s 
Exposed culmen, 49 - 53 (51.1) Exposed culmen, 44 - 53.5 (49.5) 
General Distribution.--Southern México from the states of Oaxaca and Vera Cruz south 
through Central America to western Costa Rica.- 
Distribution in Gugtemala.—-local resident, recorded near Océs, Salamd&, and in the 
Department of Jutiapa. : 
Records.--Near Monjas, March 24, 1942; near Jalapa, March 24 and 25, 1942. 
In literature it has been recorded from: Huamachal, San Geronimo (Salvin 
and Godman); Ocods (Griscom). 
Habits and Hunting.——The alcaravénes are too few in numbers and too restricted in range 
to be considered game birds. The species should be fully protected. 
79. Columba flaviroetris flavirostris Wagler 
Red-billed Pigeon 
Other Names.-- 
Guatemalan: cachajina, torcaza, paloma colorada, paloma morada 
English : blue pigeon, coast pigeon, pigeon 
Status.-—-The red-billed pigeon is a very common resident on the Pacific slope. 
Description.—-A large pigeon more or less purplish red on head, neck, and breast, 
especially in the male. _ : 
Adult male.~-Head, neck, and breast rich, dark purplish red; middle of back 
brownish with bronze green gloss; wing with greater coverts and lining bluish gray; | 
flight feathers dark gray; rump slate gray, tail somewhat darker and unbanded; belly, 
abdomen, and sides slate gray, sometimes bluish; bill pink for basal half, outer half pale 
hern, iris orange, eye ring red, legs and feet purplish red, 
76 
