AVES— SANDPIPER. 645 



mon sandpiper, which is a solitary hird, is in weight about two ounces ; the 

 head is brown, streaked with black, the back and coverts brown, mixed with 

 glossv green ; the breast and belly pure white. Its note is louder and more 

 piping than others of this genus. It frequents rivers, lakes, and meres, and 

 is never found near the sea. 



THE RED-BACKED SANDPIPER* 



Inhabits both the old and new continents, being known in England by the 

 name of Dunlin ; and in the United States, along the shores of New Jersey, 

 by the name of red-back. They frequent the muddy flats and shores of the 

 salt marshes at low water, feeding on small worms and other insects which 

 abound in such places. It has not till now been recognized by naturalists 

 as inhabiting this part of North America. 



THE SOLITARY SANDPIPERS 



Inhabits the watery solitudes of our highest mountains during the summer, 

 from Kentucky to New York, but is nowhere numerous, seldom more than 

 one or two being seen together. It takes low, short flights ; runs nimbly 

 about among the mossy margins of mountain springs, brooks, and pools, 

 occasionally stopping, looking at you, and perpetually nodding the head. 

 It is so unsuspicious as to permit one to approach within a few yards of it, 

 without appearing to take notice, or to be the least alarmed. 



THE RED-BREASTED SANDPIPERS 



Is commonly called the gray bach, or brown back, on our seacoasts. It is a 

 particular favorite among gunners, being generally a very plump, tender, and 

 excellent bird for the table. They usually keep in small flocks, alight on 

 the sand-flats in a close body, where they search for small bivalve shells. 

 On the approach of the sportsman, they frequently stand fixed and silent for 

 some time; do not appear to be easily alarmed, neither do they run about 

 in the water as much as some others, or with the same rapidity, but appear 

 more tranquil and deliberate. They retire to the south in November. 



The other individuals of this family, both American and foreign, are too 

 numerous to be particularized. 



1 Trinsca alpina, Lin. 2 Tringa solitaria-, Wilson. 3 Tringa rufa, Wilson. 



