COMMON SANDPIPER 329 
it is generally to be met with, singly or in pairs. It 
occasionally consorts with the lively Dipper ; indeed, I have 
startled the two birds from the same rock, and have watched 
them fly together for a short distance down mid-stream. 
The shores of inland lakes, both large and small, are also 
much frequented. In places where there is more or less 
constant traffic, this bird undoubtedly appears to tolerate 
man’s presence in a marked degree. I have noted its 
comparative tameness along several of the larger inland 
lakes of Ireland, where fishermen are constantly moving 
about on the shores, spreading their nets. 
In woody districts the Common Sandpiper often alights 
on the branches of trees; I have frequently seen it resting 
on the tops of palings, and on stone walls. 
Flight.—The flight is strong and swift, but the bird also 
flits leisurely from rock to rock, or skims along the river 
with down-bent and quivering pinions. 
Voice.—The well-known piping cry of whéé-whéé-whéet, 
whéé-whéé-whéeet, is generally heard just as the startled bird 
takes wing ; in the nesting-season a pleasing song-like trill 
is poured forth during the ascending flight. 
Food.—The food consists mainly of worms and insects, 
in pursuit of which the Common Sandpiper, like many of its 
allies, can dive and swim admirably. 
Nest.—The nest is generally hidden in grass, soft moss, 
and other vegetation. A favourite site is a bank of a river, 
or an island in a lake not far from the water. Where 
vegetation is scanty the Common Sandpiper may be found 
building on the gravelly or pebble-strewn shore, or in nooks 
between loose boulders. Less frequently trees are resorted 
to; a hollow in the decayed trunk or the shelter of branches 
sweeping the ground being utilised. In some districts this 
species breeds on marine as well as on inland islands. The 
nest is chiefly composed of grasses, and is lined with dead 
leaves. The eggs, four in number, are usually of a warm 
buff ground-colour, well spotted and blotched—in some 
instances also streaked—with faded grey and rich brown 
markings. I have found eggs light cream in ground-colour 
and with only a few large dark blotches, while white 
examples have occurred. 
Incubation commences about the middle of May. 
The powers of feigning lameness and performing other 
antics in order to distract the attention of an intruder from 
her brood, are well developed in the mother-bird. 
