BRITAIN'S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 65 



THE DUNLIN 



(Tringa alpina). 



This small species, with the conspicuous black under- 

 parts in its summer plumage, is found in the British Isles 

 all the year round, but most abundantly in autumn, when 

 it is one of the commonest of shore-birds and is often 

 found in huge flocks. Its near allies, the Knot, the Little 

 Stint, the Curlew Sandpiper, and the Purple Sandpiper, 

 are also more or less familiar autumn shore-birds ; but 

 they do not nest with us, although the last-named is 

 suspected of having done so. The Dunlin itself nests 

 sparingly in parts of England and Wales, but is almost 

 entirely absent in summer from the south and south-east. 

 In Ireland it also nests locally, and in Scotland it is 

 rather widely distributed, although breeding abundantly 

 in only a few places. It is essentially a moorland-nesting 

 species. The eggs are grayish green, boldly blotched 

 with two shades of reddish brown. 



THE SNIPE 



(Qallinago coelestis). 

 Plate 22. 



With the Snipe we come to a group of Waders which 

 have, among other characteristics, remarkably long and 

 straight beaks. We may also note that, with some un- 

 important exceptions, hke the Curlew, it is the first bird 

 we have to discuss which is esteemed for the table and 

 is made a regular object of sport. 



The Snipe nests in fair numbers on the moors and 

 bogs of Scotland and Ireland, preferring marshy situations, 



