82 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



bar across them ; the tail is black, with a white 

 base ; the under parts below the breast are white, 

 barred with brown on the flanks. The female is 

 less showy than the male. In winter plumage the 

 general colour of both sexes is greyish brown 

 above and nearly white below the breast, which is 

 marked with dusky streaks. In winter plumage 

 the tail is ash grey, slightly marked at the base 

 with wdiite. The total length of the male of this 

 Godwit is about sixteen inches. 



