(Totanus melanoleucus)
The greater yellow-legs migrates throughout the entire region, being
common on the beaches of Washington, Oregon and California during the
fall and early winter as it works its way to Lower California and
Mexico. It somewhat resembles the godwit in coloring, but it is more
of a grayish tinge. Its shorter bill--not over two and a half inches
in length--will always distinguish it from the godwit. So, also, will
its sharp whistling note. It is nearly as delicate a table bird as the
Wilson snipe.
=Color=--Top of head and neck, brown, with whitish streaks; back,
brown, with the feathers edged with white; chin, white; breast, white,
lined with narrow streaks of brown; bill, black, and legs, yellow.
=Nest and Eggs=--The nests are built close to the water's edge,
containing four light buff eggs, spotted with brown.
=Measurements=--Total length, 14 inches; wing, 7-3/4; bill, 2-1/4, to
2-1/2 inches.
[Illustration: MARLIN OR GODWIT (Limosa fedoa)]