Subject: Re: identity of "robin snipe"
Date: Mar 14 11:47:51 1997
From: Don Baccus - dhogaza at pacifier.com


>I have run across several very old (late 1800's)
>breeding-plumaged dowitchers that were labeled "robin snipe."
>Unfortunately, they were all too pricey and did not find their way into my
>collection.

Well, I imagine the painting I saw went for a *very* low price :)

It's certainly not a breeding-plumaged or immature dowitcher, with
its grey plumage and bluish legs. Its bill looks more dowitcher-like
than willet-like to me, being heavy and long.

I suspect the "artist" knew as little about birds as about painting.

I'll have to take a closer look next time I order a pizza there.

Thanks for the info. "robin snipe" makes some sense for a
dowitcher, with their ruddy breasts and medium size.

Any other strange names for shorebirds you've run across that
are particularly entertaining?


- Don Baccus, Portland OR <dhogaza at pacifier.com>
Nature photos, on-line guides, at (NEW) http://donb.photo.net