BIRDS OF THE SEA 105 



In winter, upper parts ash-brown, mottled with dark 

 and pale brown ; under parts and upper tail-coverts 

 white. Young : feathers above edged with buff ; tail- 

 coverts white ; throat and breast tinged with buff and 

 streaked with light brown ; under parts white. 



Language. — Like Dunlin, but more prolonged. 



Habits. — It derives its name from its curved bill, 

 which somewhat resembles the Curlew's. It is usually- 

 seen in small flocks, often with Dunlins and other waders, 

 whom it greatly resembles in habits. On the wing the 

 white tail-coverts are conspicuous. 



Food. — Aquatic insects, small Crustacea, worms, &c» 



Nidification. — Very little is known of its breeding 

 habits, but it probably nests within the Arctic Circle. 



PURPLE SANDPIPER (Tringa striata). 



An autumn and winter visitor to our coasts. It 

 breeds on the Faroe Islands, and may possibly do so in 

 the extreme north of Scotland, but there is as yet no 

 proof of it. 



Haunts. — Rocky sea-coasts where there is plenty of 

 seaweed. Occasionally found on inland waters. 



Observation. — Distinguishable on account of its dark 

 colour, rather short legs (for a wader), and stout figure. 



Plumage. — Head and neck dusky brown, tinged with 

 grey. Upper parts blackish, with purple reflections and 

 ashy margins. Throat, neck, and breast greyish, with 

 brownish streaks ; under parts white. Two of the 

 secondaries white and conspicuous in flight. BiU 

 blackish. Legs and feet ochreous yeUow. Length 8| 

 in. Female similar, but rather larger. In winter, upper 

 parts sooty ; breast dark ash-brown, indistinctly 

 mottled. 



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