er
in its somewhat restricted range. Its nesting habits are the same as
those of the preceding one, but the markings are generally more sharply
defined. The one figured is from a set in the collection of Mr. C. W.
Crandall.

287. BLACK OYSTER-CATCHER. _Haematopus bachmani._

Range.--Pacific coast of North America from Lower California north to
Alaska.

This species is the same size as the Oyster-catcher, but the plumage is
entirely black both above and below. They are found upon the rocky
coasts and islands, more frequently than upon sandy beaches. Their eggs
are laid upon bare rocks or pebbles with no attempt at lining for the
nest. The eggs are an olive buff in color, spotted and blotched with
brownish black. Size 2.20 x 1.55. Breeding throughout the Aleutian
Islands, British Columbia and south to Lower California. Three or four
eggs are laid.

[Illustration 173: Brownish buff.]
[Illustration: 287--286.1.]
[Illustration: Olive buff.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: right hand margin.]

Page 172

JACANAS. Family JACANIDAE

288. Mexican Jacana. _Jacana spinosa._

Range.--Tropical America, north in summer to the lower Rio Grande Valley
in Texas, and casually to Florida.

This interesting species has most of its structural characters similar
to the Plovers, but has more the appearance and habits of the Rails.
They are about eight inches long, the head and neck are black, the body
chestnut, and the wings largely greenish yellow. They have long legs,
long toes and extremely long toe nails, a scaly leaf on the forehead,
and a sharp spur on the shoulder of the wing. Owing to their long toes
and nails, they are enabled to walk over floating weeds and rubbish that
would sink beneath their weight, otherwise. They build their nests on
these little floating islands in the marsh; they are also sometimes made
of weeds and trash on floating lily pads. They lay from three to five
eggs of a yellowish olive color, curiously scrawled with brown and
black. Size 1.22 x .95. Data.--Tampico, Mexico, June 3, 1900. Three
eggs. Nest of weeds and drift on lily leaf floating in fresh water pond
near town.

[Illustration 174: Mexican Jacana.]
[Illustration: Yellowish olive.]
[Illustration: deco.]
[Illustration: left hand margin.]

Page 173

[Illustration 175: C. A. Reed.
NEST AND EGGS OF BOB-WHITE.]

Page 174

[Illustration 176: BOB WHITE.
Female--Male.]

Page 175

GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. Order X. GALLINAE

GROUS