io6 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS 



Language. — A low " whit-whit." Usually very silent. 



Habits. — With us it is seen in small parties, often with 

 other waders. It swims well, and seeks its food rather 

 after the manner of the Turnstone. Very tame in dis- 

 position. 



Food. — Marine insects, small Crustacea, and mollusca. 



Nidification. — Breeds in Arctic regions. 



KNOT {Tringa canutus). 



A regular visitor on migration in autumn and spring, 

 chiefly to the east coast. 



Haunts. — Sand- and mud-fiats. 



Plumage. — Crown and neck reddish brown, with dark 

 brown streaks. Mantle blackish, the feathers being 

 spotted with chestnut and margined with white. Tail- 

 coverts white, barred with black. Cheeks, throat, and 

 breast chestnut. Flanks and under tail-coverts whitish, 

 mottled with black. Bill, legs, and feet black. Length 

 10 in. Female similar. In winter, upper parts ash-grey, 

 and under parts white, flecked with grey. Young : 

 upper feathers narrowly edged with black, followed by a 

 sandy margin ; under parts dull buff, spotted with 

 dusky. 



Language. — Usually very silent. It utters a twittering 

 kind of " twih." 



Habits. — Generally much like all the other waders. 



Food. — Small Crustacea, mollusca, &c. 



Nidification. — Little is known of its breeding habits, 

 but it probably breeds within the Arctic Circle. 



SANDERLING (Calidris arenaria), 



A regular visitor on migration in autumn and spring, 

 some remaining throughout the winter. 



