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MACHETES PUGNAX. 685 
waves and rapidly seizing, amongst their foam and spray, the minute 
marine animals upon which this bird subsists. The Sanderlings 
when thus engaged appear as if they must be overwhelmed by the 
seething billows; but in some marvellous manner they always escape, 
and it is rarely that they are even obliged to have recourse to their 
wings to expedite their retreat. The flocks of Sanderlings afford a 
pretty sight on a sunny morning, when in their evolutions on the 
wing they eccentrically wheel and twist in the bright light, looking 
not unlike silver clouds against the clear blue sky. The cry of this 
species is a kind of chirping call, low and short, but shrill. Its flesh 
is very palatable, and being plump little birds, they are worth the 
trouble of shooting and cooking.” Mr. Monteiro shot specimens on 
the beach at Benguela, but Senor Anchieta does not appear to have 
met with the species in the interior of South-Western Africa. 
Adult in winter.—The upper parts pale-grey, with dusky lines ; 
the lower white; wings black and grey, with a white band. In 
summer, the upper parts are variegated with black and red; the 
lower parts red anteriorly ; white behind. Young birds have the 
upper parts black, and variegated with yellow and white ; lower parts 
white ; iris hazel. Length, 7’ 9’"; wing, 5” 2’”; tail, 2” 2’”. 
Fig. Dresser, B. Hur. viii, pl. 546. 
657. Macuerss pvenax (L.). Ruff. 
We have shot the Ruff on the Cape flats, and have received it 
from Colesberg, the Knysna, Traka, &c. It seems to be generally 
distributed. 
The habits of this bird have been so well described by numerous 
authors, that they need not be alluded to here—the more so as it 
does not assume its nuptial dress and pugnaceous feelings in this 
country, only visiting us during the non-breeding period. Captain 
Trevelyan says that he has seen these birds in small flocks in winter 
near Kingwilliamstown. Mr. Ayres has met with it in Natal, and 
says that the species is gregarious, frequenting the Bay and the 
coast, and feeding on the mud-banks at low water; marine insects 
appearing to be its favourite food. The same gentleman has procured 
it near Potchefstroom, and during Mr. T. E. Buckley’s journey 
through the Matabele country he observed it in large flocks on his 
way down to the Transvaal. Mr. Frank Oates procured a female at 
Mopani Pan, near the Ramaqueban River, in November. According 
Be 
