ver, Arctic America, June 30, 1899. Nest a simple cavity in the
ground, lined with a few grasses and three or four leaves. Collector, J.
O. Stringer.

244. CURLEW SANDPIPER. _Erolia ferruginea_.

Range.--A common Old World species, but regarded as rare in eastern
North America and northern Alaska.

A bird of slighter build, but similar coloration to the Knot; smaller
(length eight inches) and with a slightly decurved bill. Until within
recent years, eggs of these birds were rarely seen in collections, and I
believe they have not yet been taken in this country, although a few
pairs nest along our Arctic coast. Their eggs are very similar to those
of the Red-backed Sandpiper, but average somewhat larger. Size 1.50 x
1.05. Data.--Kola, northern Lapland, June 15, 1898. Four eggs laid in a
grass-lined hollow in the ground. Collector, J. Ramberg.

[Illustration 151: Greenish buff.]
[Illustration: Red-backed Sandpiper. Curlew Sandpiper.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]

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245. SPOONBILL SANDPIPER. _Eurynorhynchus pygmeus_.

A very rare Asiatic species, which has been taken in Kotzebue Sound,
Alaska. A very peculiar bird having the end of the bill broadened and
flattened into a sort of spatula. Otherwise very similar to the Least
Sandpiper, but with the breast and sides of neck ruddy in summer. About
75 specimens of this rare bird are known to exist.

246. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. _Ereunetes pusillus_.

Range.--Whole of North America, but chiefly in the eastern and central
parts, breeding about the ponds and streams of Labrador and Hudson Bay,
and northward. These little Sandpipers are abundant during the
migrations either in marshes or on beaches. They are most often found in
company with other species, such as the Spotted and Least Sandpipers.
Their appearance is very similar to that of the Least Sandpipers, but
they are slightly larger and the feet are partially webbed. Their eggs
have a greenish buff or grayish ground color and are spotted with
brownish or blackish, sometimes, so heavily as to completely obscure the
shell color. Size 1.20 x .80. Data.--Small island near Okak, Labrador,
July 3, 1895. 2 eggs. Nest a hollow at the foot of a tuft of grass,
lined with a few bits of grass and small leaves. Eggs unmistakable in
this dark type.

[Illustration 152: Spoonbill Sandpiper. Semipalmated Sandpiper.]
[Illustration: Grayish.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]

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