Other Sandpipers

( Originally Published Early 1900's )

Agreeing with the Godwits, at least as regards the hard point of the bill, is another considerable genus of Sandpipers (Totanus), which, however, may be distinguished by their generally smaller size, non-webbed inner and middle toes, less grooved bill, and gape extending decidedly behind the base of the culmen. In coloration the plumage is plain grayish or brownish above, more or less streaked with white or dusky, and white somewhat streaked or spotted with dusky below. As here considered, Totanus embraces nearly a dozen forms, but by others it is divided into some three or four genera; it is clearly an ancient type, as no less than five more or less satisfactory forms have been described from the lower Miocene or later.