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At the age of a year the bird propagates, so that individuals in the
white, mottled, or blue plumage, may be seen breeding together.
When only a few weeks old, the serrature of the claw of the middle
toe is scarcely perceptible, exhibiting merely faint indications of
points upon a very slight margin. This margin enlarges, and when
the bird is completely fledged the serratures are perfectly formed.
In this bird, as in most other Herons, the crura of the lower mandible
are thin, flexible, and elastic, the angle filled by an elastic membrane
covered by the skin. The tongue is 1 inch long, sagittate at the base,
tapering to a point. The roof of the mouth has a median prominent
ridge, and two lateral lines; the palate is convex; the posterior
aperture of the nares 10 lines in length. The pharynx may be dilated
to 1 1/2 inch; the œsophagus, which is 12 inches long, is when
dilated 10 lines in diameter at its upper part, and gradually contracts
to 7 lines; at the curvature of the neck it lies directly behind, having
passed down on the left side, along with the trachea. Its walls are
extremely thin, contrasting in this respect with the œsophagus of the
Great Northern Diver and other swimming piscivorous birds. The
proventriculus is 1 inch long, its glandules cylindrical, and extremely
slender. The stomach seems as if it merely formed a basal sac to the
œsophagus, its muscles being extremely thin, its tendons circular
and half an inch in diameter; cuticular lining soft. The intestine is long
and very narrow, 5 feet 10 inches in length, 2 lines in diameter at the
upper part, 1 1/2 near the rectum, which is 2 3/4 inches long, with a
diameter of 4 1/2 lines, and terminates in a nipple-like cœcum,
projecting 3 lines beyond the entrance of the small intestine, but
having no appearance of the two lateral appendages usually called
cœca. In this respect, the Blue Heron agrees with others of the same
family. The cloaca is about an inch in length and breadth.
The trachea, when extended, is 8 3/4 inches long. The rings 170 in
number, are osseous and circular, so that the organ preserves its
cylindrical form under all circumstances. They are, like those of all
Herons, of equal breadth on both sides, not broad on one side and
narrow on the other, as has been represented. The contractor
muscles are very slender, as are the sterno-tracheal; the former
send down a slip on each side to the first bronchial ring. The
diameter of the trachea is 2 lines at the upper part, 1 1/2 at the lower.
The bronchi are short, wide, conical, of about 13 half rings.
The right lobe of the liver is 2 1/4 inches long, the left lobe 1 1/2; the
heart 1 1/4 in length, 8 lines broad, of an oblong conical form. The
stomach contained remains of insects and crustaceous animals,
together with a few seeds.
 TELL-TALE GODWIT.

Totanus melanoleucus, Vieill.

PLATE CCCVIII. Male and Female.

It is my opinion that they who have given so much importance to the

cry of this bird, as to believe it to be mainly instrumental in ensuring
the safety of other species, and in particular of Ducks, have called in
the aid of their imagination to increase the interest of what requires
no such illustration. A person unacquainted with this Godwit would
believe, on reading its history as recorded in books, that the safety of
these birds depends on the friendly warning of their long-billed and
long-tongued neighbour. And yet it is at no season more noisy or
more vigilant than the Kildeer Plover, nor ever half so much so as the
Semipalmated species, the reiterated vociferations of which are so
annoying. It is true that the Tell-tale is quite loquacious enough; nay,
you, Reader, and I, may admit that it is a cunning and watchful bird,
ever willing to admonish you or me, or any other person whom it may
observe advancing towards it with no good intent, that it has all along
watched us. But then, when one has observed the habits of this bird
for a considerable time, in different situations, and when no other
feathered creatures are in sight, he will be convinced that the Tell-
tale merely intends by its cries to preserve itself, and not generously
to warn others of their danger. So you may safely banish from your
mind the apprehension, which the reading of books may have
caused, that duck-shooting in the marshes of our Middle Districts, is
as hopeless a pursuit as “a wild goose chase.”
The Tell-tale Godwit has a great range in the United States, where,
indeed, I have found it in almost every district, and at all seasons. It
spends the winter along the shores of our estuaries, rivers, and
ponds, and in the rice-fields, from Maryland to Mexico. It is abundant
then in South Carolina, the Floridas, and along the shores of the Gulf
of Mexico, as far as Texas, where I found it in considerable numbers
and paired, in the months of April and May, along with the Yellow-
shank Snipe, Totanus flavipes. It is also met with in spring and
autumn over the whole interior of the country, and I have found it
quite abundant at those seasons along the entire length of the
Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri rivers, as well as on the Arkansas.
They congregate in great numbers in the inland marshes of Florida,
and along its rivers, during the winter. I found them near Eastport, in
the State of Maine, on the 11th of May 1833; and on the coast of
Labrador, on the 18th of June of the same year. In Newfoundland, on
the 11th of August, the young were equal in size to their parents, and
being extremely fat, tender, and juicy, afforded excellent eating. In
general, however, these birds are thin and have a fishy taste.
In the State of Maine and the province of New Brunswick, the Tell-
tale is known by the name of “Humility,” which, however, is an
appellation that ill accords with its vociferous habits. The Creoles of
New Orleans call it “Clou-clou;” and were these syllables rapidly
enunciated from two to five times in succession, the sounds would
have some resemblance to the usual notes of the species.
When these Godwits arrive in the vicinity of New Orleans about the
middle of March, they appear in considerable flocks. They retire,
however, in the beginning of May, and return about the first of July,
from which time they continue there until the end of autumn, some
indeed remaining all winter. It seems, that at the period of their
disappearance at New Orleans, they retire to the vast marshes near
the sea-shore, and there breed, for I have found them abundant near
the passes or mouths of the Mississippi in pairs, on the first of April,
when the air is warmer than in the interior. They are said to breed in
the marshes along the coast of New Jersey, where, according to
Wilson, they arrive early in April, and continue until November. It is a
curious fact that the Tell-tale Godwit, as well as some other birds of
similar habits, is of very rare occurrence along the shores of
Massachusetts and Maine. This, however, seems to be accounted
for by the absence there of the large spongy marshes, to which
these birds are fond of resorting.
Although found in the vicinity of both salt and fresh water, at all
seasons, it usually prefers the latter, and the spots which appear to
be best adapted to its nature are ponds of which the water is shallow
and the shores muddy, so that they can walk and wade at ease upon
them. Wherever such ponds occur, whether in plantations or in the
interior of forests, or on extensive savannahs or prairies, there you
will find them actively employed, wading so far into the water as to
seem as if they were swimming. If just alighted after ever so short a
flight, they hold their wings upright for a considerable time, as if
doubtful of not having obtained good footing. Closing their wings,
they then move nimbly about the pool, and are seen catching small
fishes, insects, worms, or snails, which they do with rapidity and a
considerable degree of grace, for their steps are light, and the
balancing or vibratory motion of their body, while their head is gently
moved backwards and forwards, is very pleasing to the eye.
I have often observed these birds on large logs floating on the
Mississippi, and moving gently with the current, and this sometimes
in company with the Snowy Heron, Ardea candidissima, or the
American Crow, Corvus Americanus. In such situations, they procure
shrimps and the fry of fishes. In autumn, they are extremely prone to
betake themselves to the margins of our most sequestered lakes in
the interior of Louisiana and Kentucky, where the summer heat has
left exposed great flats of soft sandy mud abounding with food suited
to their appetite, and where they are much less likely to be disturbed
than when on the marshes on the sea-shore, or on the margins of
rivers. When they have been some time in the salt-marshes, and
have eaten indiscriminately small shell-fish, worms, and fry, they
acquire a disagreeable fishy taste, and being at the same time less
fat, are scarcely fit for the table. They are social birds, and frequently
mingle with other waders, as well as with the smaller ducks, such as
the Blue-winged and Green-winged Teals. In the salt-marshes they
associate with Curlews, Willets, and other species, with which they
live in peace, and on the watchfulness of which they depend quite as
much as on their own.
The flight of the Tell-tale Godwit, or “Great Yellow-Shank,” as it is
generally named in the Western Country, is swift, at times elevated,
and, when necessary, sustained. They pass through the air with their
necks and legs stretched to their full length, and roam over the
places which they select several times before they alight, emitting
their well-known and easily imitated whistling notes, should any
suspicious object be in sight, or if they are anxious to receive the
answer of some of their own tribe that have already alighted. At such
times, any person who can imitate their cries can easily check their
flight, and in a few moments induce them to pass or to alight within
shooting distance. This I have not unfrequently succeeded in doing,
when they were, at the commencement of my calls, almost half a
mile distant. Nay, I have sometimes seen them so gentle, that on my
killing several in a flock, the rest would only remove a few yards.
I have always found that the cries of this bird were louder and more
frequent during the period of its breeding, when scarcely any birds
were in the vicinity. I therefore conclude that its cries are then more
intended to draw you from the spot where its nest is concealed, than
for any other purpose, as on such occasions the bird either moves
off on foot, or flies away and alights at a short distance from the
place where its treasure lies.
When in Labrador, I found these birds breeding, two or three pairs
together, in the delightful quiet valleys bounded by rugged hills of
considerable height, and watered by limpid brooks. These valleys
exhibit, in June and July, the richest verdure, luxuriant grasses of
various species growing here and there in separate beds many
yards in extent, while the intervening spaces, which are
comparatively bare, are of that boggy nature so congenial to the
habits of these species. In one of those pleasing retreats my son
found a pair of Tell-tales, in the month of June, both of which were
procured. The female was found to contain a full-formed egg, and
some more of the size of peas. The eggs are four, pyriform, 2 1/4
1
inches long, 1 4 /2/8 in their greatest breadth, pale greenish-yellow,
marked with blotches of umber and pale purplish-grey.
The plumage of this bird has a very different appearance in autumn
and winter from that which it presents at the approach of the
breeding season. This has led some students of Nature in the United
States to suppose, that there exist two nearly allied species; but this,
I am confident, is not the case. The female is larger than the male,
but only in a slight degree.
Dr Richardson has found this species on the Saskatchewan and Dr
Townsend on the Columbia River.

Totanus melanoleucus, Ch. Bonaparte, Synopsis of Birds of United States,

p. 324.
Tell-tale Godwit or Snipe, Scolopax vociferus, Wils. Amer. Ornith. vol. vii.
p. 57, pl. 58, fig. 5.
Tell-tale, or Greater Yellow-Shanks, Nuttall, Manual, vol. ii. p. 148.
Totanus vociferus, Tell-tale, Richards. and Swains. Faun. Bor. Amer. vol. ii.
p. 389.
Adult male. Plate CCCVIII. Fig 1.
Bill much longer than the head, very slender, subcylindrical, straight,
flexible, compressed at the base, the point rather depressed and
obtuse. Upper mandible with the dorsal line straight, the ridge
convex, broader at the base beyond the nostrils blended with the
sides, which are convex, the edges thick, with a groove running their
whole length, the tip slightly deflected. Lower mandible with the
angle very long and narrow, the dorsal line straight, the sides
convex, with a slight groove in their basal half, the sides convex, the
edges grooved longitudinally, the tip narrow. Nasal groove long and
narrow, extending to nearly half the length of the bill; nostrils basal,
linear, direct, pervious.
Head of moderate size, oblong, compressed, eyes large. Neck rather
long and slender. Body slender. Feet very long and slender; tibia
bare for half its length, scutellate before and behind, tarsus
compressed, also scutellate before and behind; hind toe very small
and elevated; fore toes of moderate length, very slender, connected
at the base by webs, of which the outer is larger; second or inner toe
considerably shorter than fourth, which is in a similar degree
exceeded by the third; all covered with numerous scutella above,
flattened beneath, and marginate. Claws small, slightly arched, much
compressed, rather obtuse, that of the middle toe much larger, with
the inner edge dilated.
Plumage soft and blended, on the fore part of the head very short.
Wings long, narrow, pointed; primaries narrow and tapering, first
longest, second a little shorter, the rest rapidly graduated;
secondaries short, broad, incurved, obliquely rounded, the inner
elongated and tapering. Tail short, doubly emarginate in a slight
degree, of twelve rounded feathers.
Bill black, tinged with bluish-grey at the base. Iris dark brown. Feet
bright yellow, claws brownish-black. Upper part of the head, lores,
cheeks, and the neck all round, excepting the throat, streaked with
brownish-black, on a white ground, tinged with grey on the head and
hind neck; the throat, breast, and abdomen, are pure white, the sides
and lower tail-coverts barred with brownish-black, as are the axillar
feathers and lower wing-coverts, the lower surface of the primaries
light grey, their shafts white. The upper parts generally are black,
glossed with green, each feather margined with white triangular
spots. The hind part of the rump and the upper tail-coverts white,
barred with dusky. The anterior smaller wing-coverts, alula, primary
coverts, and primary quills, brownish-black, without spots; shaft of
first primary white, of the rest brown. Tail-feathers white, with
numerous bands of dark greyish-brown, the middle six feathers more
or less of a light brownish-grey toward the end, the bars not
extending over their central part, their tips white. Length to end of tail
14 inches, to end of wings 14, to end of claws 16; extent of wings
24 3/4; bill along the ridge 2 3/12, along the edge of the lower
mandible 2 5/12, wing from flexure 8 2/12; tail 3 8/12; bare part of tibia
1 1/2; tarsus 2 5/12; hind toe and claw 4 1/2/12; middle toe and claw
1 8 1/2/12. Weight 6 oz.

Adult Female. Plate CCCVIII. Fig. 2.

The female resembles the male.

Length to end of tail 13 3/4, to end of wings 14 1/2, to end of claws

17 3/4; extent of wings 25 1/2. Weight 6 1/2 oz.

Both sexes become darker on the upper parts, at the approach of

spring. This dark colour disappears after their autumnal moult.
The tongue is 1 2/12 inch in length, slender, sagittate and papillate at
the base, triangular, tapering to a fine point. On the roof of the mouth
are two rows of large blunt papillæ directed backwards; the edges of
the mandibles are thick and grooved; the posterior aperture of the
nares linear, 9/12 long. The œsophagus, 6 3/4 inches in length,
passes along the right side of the neck, and has a diameter of 3/12 of
an inch in its upper part, but is dilated to 5/12 before it enters the
thorax. The proventriculus is oblong, 8/12 in length, its glandules
oblong. The stomach is oblong, 1 2/12 inch in length, 8/12 in breadth,
its lateral muscles of moderate size, the tendons 5/12 in diameter, the
cuticular lining hard, with large longitudinal rugæ, and of a deep red
colour. The intestine 2 feet 8 inches long, varying in diameter from
2 1/2/ to 2/12. The rectum 1 9/12 inch long; the cæca 4 inches 5/12
12
long, of an oblong form, with the extremity rounded, their diameter
1 1/2/ .
12

In another individual, the œsophagus is 6 1/2 inches long; the

stomach 1 9/12; the intestine 2 feet 3 inches; the rectum 1 9/12, the
cæca 4 1/12, their diameter 1 1/2/12.
1
The trachea, 4 8/12 inches long, 2 /2/12 in diameter above, 2/12 below;
of 120 unossified rings; its contractor muscles feeble, the sterno-
tracheal moderate; a single pair of inferior laryngeal; the bronchial
rings about 15.
 COMMON TERN.

Sterna Hirundo, Linn.

PLATE CCCIX. Adult.

Although the Prince of Musignano has thought that the bird named
the Common Tern in America, differs from that bearing the same
name in Europe, and has in consequence changed its appellation to
that of Wilson’s Tern, I am of opinion that no difference exists
between the Common Terns of the two Continents. The cry of both is
besides precisely similar, so that with me there is no doubt whatever
as to their identity. Experience has shewn me that the markings or
white spots on the primary quills of Gulls, at one time assumed as a
criterion by which species might be distinguished, cannot in the least
be depended on, varying, as they always do, in individuals of the
same species, at almost each successive moult. Then why, Reader,
should not Terns exhibit analogous changes? The fact is, they do so;
and it is almost impossible, on closely inspecting a dozen or more
specimens procured at the same period, in either country, to find two
individuals exactly corresponding in every particular. Some have the
bill almost entirely black, while others have it more or less red and
black, and tipped with yellow. The length of the tail-feathers, that of
the tarsus, and the size of the inter-digital membranes, are all found
to differ in some degree, if minutely compared. If species are to be
founded on such slight differences, an ample field is open to those
who are ambitious of being discoverers. At all events, I cannot help
remarking here, that it seems to me improper to impose new names
on objects, until it is proved by undeniable facts that they present
permanent differences.
I have observed this species along the Atlantic coast of North
America, from Galveston Island in Texas to the Straits of Belle Isle
on the coast of Labrador, both in spring and in early autumn. But
when on the islands in Galveston Bay, in the month of April, I saw
only a few arriving there from the west; whereas, in the beginning of
May great numbers arrived there from the east, settled at once, and
commenced breeding. I felt convinced that the numbers which came
from the direction of the Floridas were much greater than those
which arrived from the westward, and judged it probable that vast
numbers had at the same time left the Peninsula on their way
northward. Should other travellers observe the same or similar
phenomena at the season mentioned, it will be proved that this
species does not extend its autumnal migration so far as several
others, which I observed arriving at Galveston Island from the south-
west, for example, the Least Tern, Sterna minuta, the Cayenne Tern,
St. cayana, and the Black Tern, St. nigra.
The Common Tern commences breeding on the coast of our Middle
Districts about the 5th of May. On my voyage to Labrador, I found its
eggs on the islands in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and especially on the
Magdalene Islands, which I visited on the 11th of that month. On the
18th I saw them in great abundance in the neighbourhood of
American Harbour, on the coast of Labrador, where thousands of
Terns were plunging headlong after shrimps all round us. In that
country, their eggs were deposited among the short grass, and the
places which they occupied were but slightly scratched; whereas on
the Magdalene Islands, where they breed on sandy ridges, slight
hollows were scooped out, as is generally the case along the eastern
coast of the United States. Their sojourn in Labrador is of short
duration; and when we were at Newfoundland, on the 14th of
August, multitudes were already passing southward. At the same
period considerable numbers pass by an inland route from the
Canadas, and all our great lakes, travelling along the Ohio and
Mississippi. While residing at Henderson, and afterwards at
Cincinnati, I had ample opportunities of watching their movements in
the month of September. And yet, you will think it strange, that,
during their vernal migration, I never saw one ascend any of these
rivers or the streams connected with them. Perhaps the inferior
temperature of the waters, compared with those of the ocean, in the
early spring months, may induce them to abandon their route at that
season. In autumn, on the contrary, when these rivers are heated
and reduced in size, the Terns may find in them an abundant supply
of the fry of various fishes. It would thus appear, being corroborated
by other observations which I have made relative to migration, that
species whose range is extensive, are determined in their
movements by a genial temperature and an abundant supply of food.
With an easy and buoyant flight, the Tern visits the whole of our
indented coasts, with the intention of procuring food, or of rearing its
young, amidst all the comforts and enjoyments which kind Nature
has provided for it. Full of agreeable sensations, the mated pair glide
along side by side, as gaily as ever glided bridegroom and bride. The
air is warm, the sky of the purest azure, and in every nook the
glittering fry tempts them to satiate their appetite. Here, dancing in
the sunshine, with noisy mirth, the vast congregation spreads over
the sandy shores, where, from immemorial time, the species has
taken up its temporary abode. They all alight, and with minced steps,
and tails carefully raised so as not to be injured by the sand, the
different pairs move about, renew their caresses, and scoop out a
little cavity in the soil. If you come again in a few days, you will find
the place covered with eggs. There they lie, three in each hollow,
beautifully spotted and pointed; and as they receive heat enough
from the sun, the birds have left them until evening. But not absent
are they from the cherished spot, for they have seen you, and now
they all fly up screaming. Although unable to drive you away, they
seem most anxiously to urge your departure by every entreaty they
can devise; just as you would do, were your family endangered by
some creature as much stronger than yourself as you are superior to
them. Humanity fills your heart, you feel for them as a parent feels,
and you willingly abandon the place. The eggs are soon hatched; the
young in due time follow their parents, who, not considering their
pleasant labour ended when they are able to fly, feed them on wing
in the manner of swallows, until they are quite capable of procuring
their subsistence themselves. So soon as this is the case, the young
birds fly off in bands, to seek on distant shores, and in sunny climes,
the plentiful food which the ocean yields.
The nest of the Common Tern is, as I have said, a mere hollow made
in the loose sand of some island or mainland beach, scantily tufted
with wiry grass, or strewed with sea-weeds. Their eggs never exceed
three in number; their average length is 1 inch 5 1/2 eighths, their
breadth 1 1/4 inch. They vary greatly in their markings, as is the case
with those of all the smaller species of this family; but their ground
colour is generally pale yellowish-green, blotched and spotted with
brownish-black and purplish-grey or neutral tint.
The young, which are fed with small fishes, shrimps, and insects,
separate from the old birds when fully fledged, and do not again
associate with them until the following spring, when both are found
breeding in the same places. It seems quite curious to see these
young birds in winter, during boisterous weather, throwing
themselves into the remotest parts of estuaries, and even visiting
salt-water ponds at some distance from the sea, as I have often
seen them do at Charleston, in South Carolina, when accompanied
by my friend the Rev. Dr Bachman. Their plumage is then so very
different from that of the old birds, that one might readily believe
them to be of another species, did he not observe that their mode of
flying and their notes are the same. Not less strange is it, that on
such occasions none of the old birds are to be seen in the place,
they having remained, braving the fury of the tempest, on the outer
harbours. In the beginning of winter, young birds also sometimes
ascend the Mississippi as far as Natchez; and in the same manner
betake themselves to all the large lakes bordering the Gulf of
Mexico. There, as well as elsewhere, you see them plunge into the
water, and instantaneously secure their prey, rise as quickly, and
dash into another spot hard by, whenever food happens to be
abundant.
I have many times seen the Common Tern suddenly fly up and come
close over a man or a dog, without the least apparent provocation,
indeed when far distant from its nest, and then pass and repass
repeatedly within a few yards, emitting a plaintive cry, as if its eggs
or young were in the immediate vicinity. At other times, when the
birds were yet distant from their young, and carrying fish in their bills,
they would, on seeing a man, round to, drop their food, and perform
the same evolutions. I, however, know nothing more remarkable of
this species of Tern, than that it should breed, as I know from
personal observation to be the case, along the whole of our Atlantic
coast, in suitable places, from Texas to Labrador.
When travelling in stormy weather, they skim over the surface of the
water, moving rapidly and close together; whereas in fine weather,
they rise high, and proceed in a straggling manner. Now and then I
have seen them alight among Tringas of different species, as well as
among Razor-billed Shearwaters, on outward sand beaches.

Sterna Hirundo, Linn. Syst. Nat., vol. i. p. 227.—Lath. Ind. Ornith., vol. ii. p.
807.—Ch. Bonaparte, Synopsis of Birds of the United States, 354.—
Richards. and Swains. Fauna Bor. Amer. vol. ii. p. 412.
 Great Tern, Sterna Hirundo, Wils. Amer. Ornith., vol. viii. p. 76, pl. 60, fig.
1.
Great or Common Tern, Nuttall, Manual, vol. ii. p. 271.

Adult Male. Plate CCCIX.

Bill about the same length as the head, rather slender, compressed,
nearly straight, tapering to a narrow point. Upper mandible with the
dorsal line slightly arched, the ridge rather broad and convex at the
base, narrow towards the end, the sides sloping, convex towards the
end, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip very slender. Nasal
groove rather long, and with a faint groove and ridge extending
obliquely to the edge of the mandible; nostrils sub-basal, linear,
direct, pervious. Lower mandible with the angle very narrow,
extending beyond the middle, the dorsal line straight, the sides
ascending and convex, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip very
acute.
Head of moderate size, oblong; neck of moderate length; body very
slender. Feet very small; tibia bare for a considerable space; tarsus
very short, slender, compressed, covered anteriorly with twenty-two
small scutella, laterally and behind with reticular scales; toes very
small, slender, the first extremely small, the third longest, the fourth
considerably shorter, the second shorter than the fourth in the same
proportion; the anterior toes connected by reticulated webs, which
are deeply concave at their margin. Claws arched, compressed, that
of the hind toe smallest, of the middle by much the largest, and
having the inner edge thin and dilated.
Plumage soft, close, blended, very short on the fore part of the head;
the feathers, in general, broad and rounded; wings very long, narrow,
and pointed; primary quills tapering to a rounded point, slightly
curved inwards, the first longest, the rest rapidly graduated;
secondary quills short, broad incurved, obliquely rounded, the inner
more tapering. Tail long, very deeply forked, of twelve feathers, of
which the outer are tapering, the middle short and rounded.
Bill bright coral-red, black towards the end, the tip light yellow; inside
of mouth reddish-orange; eye hazel. Feet coral-red, lighter than the
bill; claws brownish-black. Upper part of the head, and the hind neck
half-way down, deep black, the anterior part tinged with brown, the
posterior with blue. The sides of the head, the fore neck, and all the
lower parts, white, with a slight tinge of greyish-blue on the breast.
Back, scapulars, and wings, light greyish-blue, the edges of the
wings, the rump, and upper tail-coverts, white, slightly tinged with
grey. First primary, with the outer web deep black, the shaft white, on
the inner web a greyish-black band running along the shaft, narrow
at the base, and widening so as to occupy the whole breadth of the
web for an inch at the end, where it is hoary. The next five have the
outer web, and a varying portion of the inner, in nearly their whole
length hoary, but at the same time with a dusky shade, which
becomes more apparent at the ends; the rest of the quills are like the
back, but margined and tipped with white. Tail-feathers with the inner
webs white, the outer webs of the colour of the back, paler on the
middle feathers, gradually deepening outwards, and on the outer
feathers dark or blackish-grey.
Length to end of tail 16 inches, to the fork of the tail 11, to end of
wings 15 3/8, to end of claws 11 1/4; extent of wings 31 1/2; wing from
flexure 11 5/12; tail to end of lateral feathers 7 1/12, to fork 3 1/12; bare
part of tibia 6 1/2/12; tarsus 10 1/2/12; hind toe and claw 3 1/2/12, middle
toe and claw 1 1/12. Weight 5 oz.

The female is similar to the male, but rather smaller. In some

instances I have seen a small portion of the forehead white.
Length to end of tail 15 inches, to the fork 11 1/2, to end of wings
15 1/4, to end of claws 11; extent of wings 30 1/4; wing from flexure
10 1/2. Weight 5 oz.

The young in their first plumage, have the bill dull greenish-black,
with the tip yellowish; the feet greenish-yellow.
In winter, the bill is black, with the base pale orange, and the tip
yellowish; the feet orange-yellow. The colours are as in the adult, the
forehead white, the rest of the head dusky, the upper parts having
the feathers slightly margined with lighter.

Length to end of tail 12 3/4, to the fork 11; to end of wings 14, to end
of claws 10 1/2; extent of wings 29 1/4; wing from flexure 8 1/4.

American and British specimens present no essential differences

when compared in considerable numbers. The outer web of the
lateral tail-feather is blackish-grey, and the inner webs of the tail-
feathers are white in all the specimens collected for comparison. The
tarsus in American specimens varies in length from 9 to 10 1/2
twelfths, and the claw of the middle toe from 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 twelfths;
but similar differences are observed in the British birds.

The tongue is 1 4/12 inch long, sagittate and papillate at the base,
very slender, tapering, the point slit, the upper surface a little
concave, the lower horny towards the end. Aperture of posterior
nares linear, 9 twelfths long. Palate with a middle and two lateral
ridges. Œsophagus 6 inches long, extremely wide, its average
diameter on the neck 7 twelfths, within the thorax 11 twelfths. The
stomach is muscular, 1 inch long, the lateral muscles not
distinguishable, the fasciculi of fibres being disposed as in the
rapacious birds; the central tendinous spaces 3 twelfths in diameter;
the cuticular lining strong, with broad longitudinal rugæ. The contents
of the stomach, fishes. The proventriculus 1 inch long. Intestine 1
foot 7 inches long, of moderate diameter, convoluted, varying from
2 3/4 twelfths to 2 1/2 twelfths. Rectum 1 inch long. Cœca 5 twelfths
long, with a diameter of 3/4 of a twelfth.

The trachea is 3 1/4 inches long, 2 1/2 twelfths in breadth above, 1 1/2
twelfth below; its rings 103, feeble and unossified; the lateral
muscles extremely slender; there are sterno-tracheal muscles, but
none besides. Bronchial half-rings about 18.
 SPOTTED SANDPIPER.

Totanus macularius, Temm.

PLATE CCCX. Male and Female.

In the course of my last journey in search of information respecting

the birds which at one season or other are found within the limits of
the United States, I observed so vast a number of them in Texas,
that I almost concluded that more than two-thirds of our species
occur there. Among them I observed the beautiful bird now before
you.
The Spotted Sandpiper has a wonderfully extensive range, for I have
met with it not only in most parts of the United States, but also on the
shores of Labrador, where, on the 17th June 1833, I found it
breeding. On the 29th of July, the young were fully fledged, and
scampering over the rocks about us, amid the putrid and drying cod-
fish. In that country it breeds later by three months than in Texas; for
on the head waters of Buffalo Bayou, about sixty miles from the
margin of the Mexican Gulf, I saw broods already well grown on the
5th of May 1837. On the same day of the same month in 1832, a
similar occurrence happened on an island near Indian Key, on the
south-east coast of Florida. In Newfoundland, on the other hand, the
young were just fully fledged on the 11th of August 1833. It appears
strange that none were observed by Dr Richardson on the shores
of Hudson’s Bay, or in the interior of that country. They are quite
abundant along the margins of the Mississippi, the Ohio, and their