The Greater Yellowshank is best known as an Arctic American species, descending south during migration, and arriving in La Plata at the end of September or early in October, singly or in pairs, and sometimes in small flocks. Without ever being abundant the bird is quite common, and one can seldom approach a pool or marsh on the pampas without seeing one or more individuals wading near the margin, and hearing their powerful alarm-cry—a long clear note repeated three times.
These summer visitors leave us in March, and then, oddly enough, others arrive, presumably from the south, to winter on the pampas, and remain from April to August. Thus, notwithstanding that the Yellowshank does not breed on the pampas, we have it with us all the year round. Durnford’s observations agree with mine, for he says that the bird is found throughout the year near Buenos Ayres; and Mr. Barrows writes that this species “occurs every month in the year (at Concepcion in Entrerios), but in increased numbers during August, September, October, and November.”
[404.] TOTANUS FLAVIPES (Gm.).
(LESSER YELLOWSHANK.)
Totanus flavipes, Burm. La-Plata Reise, ii. p. 503 (Mendoza, Paraná); Baird, Brew., et Ridgw. Water-B. N. A. i. p. 273; Seebohm, Plovers, p. 364; Saunders, Yarrell’s Birds, iii. p. 480; Barrows, Auk, 1884, p. 315 (Entrerios, Azul). Gambetta flavipes, Scl. et Salv. Nomencl. p. 145; iid. P. Z. S. 1868, p. 144 (Buenos Ayres); Durnford, Ibis, 1877, p. 43 (Chupat) et p. 199 (Buenos Ayres), et 1878, p. 404 (Centr. Patagonia).
Description.—Above grey, spotted with white and black; upper tail-coverts white, slightly spotted: beneath white; breast greyish, with black specks; bill black; feet yellow: whole length 10·0 inches, wing 6·0, tail 2·6. Female similar.
Hab. Arctic America, descending south to Chili and Patagonia during migration.
This North-American species is likewise common throughout the year on the pampas, although not nearly so common in winter (June, July, and August) as in summer.
Durnford also found it abundant in Central Patagonia. In habits, language, and in general appearance, except in size, it closely resembles the Greater Yellowshank, and the two species, attracted or deceived by this likeness, are constantly seen associating together.
Mr. Barrows, who found it near Concepcion in Entrerios, usually in company with Totanus melanoleucus, did not observe it in May, June, or July in that locality.