DOWITCHER.
231. Macrorhamphus 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 “Graybacks” in the winter months.
Nest.—Placed 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 × 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.
