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Range (Nearly cosmopolitan breeds) (II)

Nearly cosmopolitan; breeds in the arctic regions, and in America migrates southward to Patagonia. Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, common T. V. May; Aug. and Sept. Sing Sing, A. V.

Eggs, three to four, clay-color, blotched and scrawled with grayish brown, 1.60 x 1.15.

This strictly maritime species is found singly or in small flocks, generally on the outer beaches, where it obtains its food by turning over shells and pebbles in search of insects, crustaceans, etc. FAMILY OYSTER-CATCHERS.

OYSTER-CATCHERS.

The Oyster-catchers number ten species, represented in most of the warmer parts of the globe. But three species are found in North America, and only one of these occurs in the Eastern States. They are strictly maritime birds, and resort to the outer bars and beaches in search of clams, mussels, etc., exposed by the tide. Their strong bill is used as an oyster-knife to force open the shells of these bivalves. 286. Hæmatopus palliatus Temm. AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER. Ad.-Head, neck, and upper breast glossy black, back and wing-coverts olivebrown, secondaries white, primaries fuscous, upper tail-coverts white, base of. the tail white, end fuscous, lower breast and belly white. Im. - Similar, but head and neck blackish and upper parts more or less margined with buffy. L., 19.00; W., 10.50; Tar., 2·40; B., 3.40.