Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (Volume 23 ) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1871. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Gallinago wilsonii. Common during the migration, and often in winter; but are somewhat uncertain. They frequent the marsh, &c.; but rarely, if ever, the more open ground about the harbor. Macrorhamphus griseus. Very abundant during the migration, and perhaps some winter, as they may be taken in December. They occur in large flocks on the sand-bars and mud-flats, as well as on the salt meadows; and afford excellent shooting. They are not so common in the spring, and the passage is more rapid. Pelidna americana. Very abundant, April and May, and September to November; some may remain all winter. A large part of them attain their perfect dress before leaving in the spring; and it is partly retained by many during the full migration, when, however, most of them are in plain gray plumage. The vernal change begins early in April, soon after the main body arrives from the south. Even in spring they are often found exceedingly fat; and in the fall their corpulence seems only limited by the capacity for expansion of the skin. In examining a great number, I found a variation of a third of an inch in the length of the bill; but this is always considerably over an inch long, and never quite straight. They seem to prefer muddy flats to the beach, and are among the most snipelike of the sandpipers. Actodromas bonapartei. Common, during the migration, associating in flocks with several other species. The larger size, and conspicuously white rump, mark it at once from Ereunetes, and the next species, its most frequent companions. This little species is liable to be found in sandy and muddy places throughout North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. It breeds in Labrador, where, in July and August, it is one of the most abundant shore birds; and in various parts of British Ame...