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Family Phalaropodide

PHALAROPES.

There are three known members of this family: one is confined to the interior of North America, the other two may be called Sea Snipe, and are found in the northern parts of the northern hemisphere. The webbed feet of these pelagic species enable them to swim with ease, and during their migrations they may be found in flocks resting upon the sea far from land. Their presence on our shores is largely dependent upon the weather, and during severe storms many are sometimes found upon our coasts. Contrary to the usual rule, the female in this family is the larger and more brightly colored-indeed, in the domestic economy of the Phalarope household the female is male, except in the prime essentials of sex. She does the wooing, takes the lead in selecting the nesting site, and, although she lays the eggs, the duties of incubation fall upon the male.

A. Bill over 1.10 B. Bill under 1.10. • KEY TO THE SPECIES. 224. WILSON'S PHALAROPE. a. Bill very slender; wing under 4.75. b. Bill stout; wing over 4.75 223. NORTHERN PHALAROPE. 222. RED PHALAROPE. 222. Crymophilus fulicarius (Linn.). RED PHALAROPE; GRAY