264 PURPLE SANDPIPER 
semble in habits. The nest, which is composed of some bits of 
withered grass, or sedge, and small twigs of heath, is placed in a 
slight hollow, generally on a bare spot, and usually in a dry place, 
like that selected by the Golden Plover. The female lays four eggs, 
and sits very assiduously, often allowing a person to come quite 
close to her before removing, which she does in a fluttering and 
cowering manner.’ ? 
In a few specimens which I obtained, the bill was considerably 
curved downwards throughout its whole length, thus approaching 
in form that of the Pigmy Curlew ; but the dusky upper tail-coverts 
sufficiently distinguished it from its rarer congener. 
PURPLE SANDPIPER 
TRINGA STRIATA 
Bill longer than the head, slightly bent down at the tip, dusky, the base reddish 
orange; head and neck dusky brown, tinged with grey; back and 
scapulars black, with purple and violet reflections, the feathers edged 
with deep ash; breast grey and white; under plumage white, streaked 
on the flanks with grey; feet ochre-yellow. Length eight and a quarter 
inches. Eggs yellowish olive, spotted and speckled with reddish brown. 
Tue Purple Sandpiper is described as being far less common than 
the Dunlin, and differing from it in habits, inasmuch as it resorts 
to the rocky coast in preference to sandy flats. The few specimens 
of it which I have seen were associated with Dunlins, flying in the 
same flocks with them, feeding with them, and so closely resembling 
them in size and movements, that a description of the one equally 
characterizes the other. It was only, in fact, by the difference of 
colour that I could discriminate between them ; and this I did, on 
several occasions, with great ease, having obtained my specimens 
singly while they were surrounded by other birds. According to 
Mr. Dunn, ‘ The Purple Sandpiper is very numerous in Orkney and 
Shetland, appearing early in spring, and leaving again at the latter 
end of April ; about which time it collects in large flocks, and may 
be found on the rocks at ebb-tide, watching each retiring wave, 
running down as the water falls back, picking small shellfish off 
the stones, and displaying great activity in escaping the advancing 
sea. It does not breed there.’ 
This species has a wide geographical range. It has been often 
observed in the Arctic regions, where it breeds. It is well known 
in North America, and is found in various parts of the continent of 
Europe, especially Holland. 
1 Macgillivray. 
