318 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



not to Lreed until the second year, it is difficult to say. The examples 

 I have obtained in summer from Tunisia were procured on the Island 

 of Djerba in the South of the Kegency during the months of June 

 and July, and are in breeding plumage. According to Count 

 Arrigoni (Man. Orn. Ital. p. 618), the Dunlin has been found 

 breeding in the Venetian marshes in North Italy, and Mr. Abel 

 Chapman shot a bird of this species from its eggs in the extreme 

 south of Spain. 



The species is common in winter and on passage in the vicinity 

 of the town of Tunis, and probably all along the coast of the 

 Regency, as well as on the inland salt lakes and Sebkas. The fine 

 salt-water lake of El Bahira between Tunis and Goletta is a favourite 

 place for this and similar birds, and its shores at times present a 

 most animated and attractive sight from the number and variety of 

 the species found congi'egated there. 



In Algeria and Marocco the Dunlin appears to be numerous in 

 winter and on passage, and it has been recorded from Madeira, the 

 Canaries, and the Azores. 



The winter range of the species in Africa extends down the east 

 coast as far as Zanzibar, while its principal summer quarters are the 

 more northern parts of Europe, Asia and America, though, as above 

 mentioned, it has been found nesting in Europe as far south as 

 North Italy, and once even in South Spain. 



The Dunlin frequents the open sea-shore, particularly sandy 

 beaches and mud-flats, and it may also be found on the borders of 

 inland lakes and rivers. In Sicily it is very fond of frequenting the 

 salt-pans, which are numerous in some parts of that island, and in 

 such localities it is to be found in large numbers throughout the winter 

 months. In its habits it is gregarious, and generally to be met 

 with in flocks, either large or small, and often in company with 

 allied species. It is shy and wary, and when approached, darts off 

 with amazing rapidity, uttering its alarm note. Besides being very 

 swift on the wing, it is also very nimble and quick-footed, and runs 

 with great facility. 



Its food consists chiefly of marine insects, worms and small 

 crustaceans. Its call-note is a clear whistle, but in autumn it 

 utters a purring note, which has given rise to the bird's local 

 name of " Purre." 



