SANDERLING 
248. Calidris leucophea. 8 in. 
Toes short and stout; no hind toe. Adults in sum- 
mer, variegated above with bright reddish-brown and 
black; below white, the breast being strongly washed 
with rusty and spotted with black. In winter, plain 
grayish above and white below; head white, except the 
crown; young birds are like winter adults but have 
the back with some blackish. In the interior this spe- 
cies is found on the edges of lakes and rivers. On the 
coast, it is one of the boldest of the shore birds, feed- 
ing on the edge of the outer beach, often under the comb- 
ing crest of the incoming waves, retreating just as the 
wave breaks and is dashed to foam on the beach. They 
are usually wary and will not allow a close approach. 
Nest.—On the ground; eggs greenish-buff, spotted 
with black. 
Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters south 
to Patagonia, migrating on both coasts and to a less 
extent in the interior. 
