1S98.J Vatt-ei^.— The Birds of Dub Im Bay. 235 



Tring-a subarquata, Guld. CurIvEw Sandpiper.— Occurs nearly 

 every autumn (Sept.) in varying numbers, leaving before the winter. 

 May be distinguished from the Dunlin by its superior size and its 

 longer and more curved bill. When flying, the light colour over 

 the lower back also distinguishes the bird. This part is dark in 

 the Dunlin. 



T. canutus, Linn. Knot. — Common in autumn and winter. Dis- 

 tinguished from the last species by its larger size, stouter build, and 

 shorter legs. The feathers of the back of the young birds, in their 

 first autumn, are tipped with yellow. In winter this fades away to 

 ashy grey. 



Calidrls arenaria, Linn. Sanderi^ing.— Frequent on the North 

 Bull in autumn, winter, and spring. A few non-breeders in summer 

 plumage are often seen in July and August. At this time of the year 

 the feathers of the back are richly marked with chestnut, black, and 

 grey. The young autumn birds have their back spotted with black 

 and white. In winter the plumage changes to a pale ash-grey. The 

 Sanderling may be distinguished from the Dunlin by its large size, 

 and in the winter by its lighter colour. Its preference for hard 

 ribbed sand instead of mud-slobs should be noted. When killed, the 

 absence of the hinder toe at once distinguishes it from all other 

 small grey-coloured " waders." 



Machetes pugrnax, Linn. Ruff. — Very rare autumnal visitor. A 

 pair were obtained by Mr. E. Williams on the 28th August, 1897. 

 These were in the immature plumage. The Ruff is taller than the 

 Redshank, and the predominating colour is chestnut brown. The 

 characteristic frill of the breeding plumage at once distinguishes 

 the bird in summer. 



Tryngites rufescens, Vieill. Buff-breasted Sandpiper.— Native 

 of America. Has once occurred at the Pigeon House, Dublin Bay 

 (Thompson, vol. ii., p. 302.) This specimen is in the National 

 Museum of Dublin (see also List of Irish Birds, by late A. G. More, p. 



25.) 

 Totanus hypolcucus, Linn. Common Sandpiper. — Regular sum- 

 mer visitor, retiring inland to breed. An easily recognised bird, from 

 its habit of nodding its head and jerking its tail when it alights. 

 Frequently met with along brooks and rivers. 



T, calidrls, Linn. Common Redshank. — Plentiful on the coast in 

 autumn and winter. Prefers soft sea-mud to clear sand and shingle- 

 Characters familiar, voice characteristic. 



T. fuscus, Linn. vSpotted Redshank. — Very rare autumnal visitor. 

 Two occurred in September, 1888. Again, in vSeptember, 1890, a 

 specimen was shot at the Bull ; and on the 7th September, 1894, Mr. 

 Williams drew my attention to a specimen which flew by us on the 

 North Bull (E. Williams in Irish Naturalist, vol. iii., p. 224.) The 

 Spotted Redshank can be distinguished when flying from the com- 

 mon species by the absence of the broad white bands on the wings. 



