TOTANUS HYPOLEDCUS 327 



Tringa and Totanus, though readily distinguishable from both by the 

 absence of the hind-toe. 



The species is apparently not uncommon in the north of the 

 Eegency during the winter months and on passage, and, according 

 to Blanc, may sometimes be met with even in summer. In winter 

 it is to be seen on the shores of the Lake of Tunis, and examples may 

 not unfrequently be found in the market of that town. 



Loche states that it is merely an accidental visitor to Algeria, but 

 in Marocco it does not appear to be uncommon, for Colonel Irby says 

 he saw large flights of Sanderlings early in April between Tetuan and 

 Ceuta, and, according to Favier, this bird is abundant on migration 

 near Tangier, and is known to the Moors by the name of " Medrouan." 

 The species has been recorded from some of the Atlantic islands, 

 while its range in Africa extends to Cape Colony. It is circumpolar 

 in its breeding range, probably nesting on all the Arctic coasts, both 

 in the Old and New World, and migrating far southwards for the 

 winter. 



The Sanderling is essentially a shore-bird, being usually found 

 on stretches of sand, and less often on mud-flats. It is seldom found 

 far from the sea-shore, or on inland waters. It is generally to be met 

 with in small parties, and is more tame and confiding than most of 

 its allies, though constantly associating with them. It flies and runs 

 with facility, and is an active bright little bird. Its note is a sharp 

 "wick." Its food is composed chiefly of insects, worms and small 

 crustaceans. 



TOTANUS HYPOLEUCUS (Linnajus). 



COMMON SANDPIPEE. 



Tringa hypoleucos, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 250 (1766). 



Totanus hypoleucos, Temm. Man. cVOrn. p. 424 (1815). 



Tringoides hypoleucos, MaUierhe, Cat. Rais. d'Ois. Alcj. p. 21 (1846). 



Actitis hypoleucos, Loclie, Expl. Sci. Alg. Ois. ii, p. 326 (1867) ; Kocniy, 



J.f. 0. 1888, p. 279 ; id. J.f. 0. 1893, p. 92, 

 Tringoides hypoleucus, Sharpc, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. xxiv. p. 456 



Edaugcr, J. f. 0. 1900, p. 66. 



Description. — Adult male, spring, h*om Meretba, South Tunisia. 



Upper plumage olive-bro\vn, with a bronze gloss, the crown, neck and 



