328 . CHARADRIIDAj 
AVERAGE MEASUREMENTS. 
TOTAL LENGTH ... 11°5 in. Female slightly larger. 
WING soe ae OF. 45 
BEAK re omer belek 
TARSO-METATARSUS, 1°75 ,, 
EGe 8 x 13510 
COMMON SANDPIPER. Totanus hypoleucus (Linneus). 
Coloured Figures. — Gould, ‘ Birds of Great Britain,’ vol. iv, 
pl. 58; Dresser, Birds of Europe,’ vol. viii, pl. 563; 
Lilford, ‘ Coloured Figures,’ vol. v, pl. 45. 
This sprightly little creature is familiar to many as the 
‘Summer Snipe. It usually arrives about the middle of 
April, and during the summer distributes itself widely over 
the British Isles as a breeding-species. About the south- 
east of England it occurs chiefly on migration, but it breeds 
freely throughout Scotland, including the Western Islands, 
the Orkneys, and Shetlands, and in most parts of Ireland. 
In September old and young betake themselves to more 
southern climes, save a few stragglers which may lnger 
until November. In midwinter it is rare in our country. 
This little ‘wader’ is not a bird of the sea-coast, although 
in July and August, when the young are strong on the wing, 
family parties, and even small flocks of fifteen to twenty 
birds, may be seen foraging amidst the pebbles and seaweeds 
of our tidal estuaries. I have noticed Common Sandpipers 
along several parts of the sea-coasts prior to their departure 
in autumn. 
This species delights in the quietude of clear running 
brooks, the shores of which are fringed with clean gravel 
and sand. Its haunts are little intruded upon save by the 
trout-angler, with whom it is a great favourite on account 
of its dainty form and attractive movements. Like others 
of its genus (Totanus) it is a rather shy, yet a demonstrative 
little bird; it is seldom quiet for an instant, and may be 
seen on the ground, darting to and fro, ever and anon 
jerking its tail up and down, at the same time protruding 
and retracting its neck. 
The Common Sandpiper is not gregarious. In spring 
