TRINGA MARITIMA. 171 
gration^ crossing to Europe during March, returning in July, 
August, and September. Those which return in the last 
days of July still exhibit traces of the breeding-plumage." — 
Favier. 
The greater number of Ruffs pass northwards through 
Andalucia in April; but flocks occasionally occur dmiug 
January, February, and March, some passing as late as the 
last week in May. The males, or " Ruffs,^' are then in their 
inconvenient-looking nuptial plumage ; and although I have 
not heard of their nesting so far south, it is not unlikely that 
such is the case. 
The total length is from 10^ to 12 inches, tarsus If ; the 
axillaries are white. 
I would here draw attention to an American species of 
Sandpiper, Bartram's Sandpiper {Actiturus Bartrami), which 
is a great straggler, and possibly may turn up in the south of 
Spain. It is described as a bird frequenting dry ground, and 
by a casual observer might be taken for the Reeve or a Ruff in 
winter plumage ; but it can be distinguished by the axillaries, 
which are barred with black and white. The total length is 
from 11 to 13 inches, tarsus about 2 inches. 
to' 
237. Tringa canutus (Linn.). The Knot. 
Favier merely remarks of this species that it " passes near 
Tangier in June.^^ If such be the case it must be very early 
in that month. The Knot is somewhat irregular in its ap- 
pearance about the vicinity of Gibraltar ; and I have rarely 
met with any, and the few seen have only occurred in April 
and May. Lord Lilford, however, found them in countless 
numbers about the 10th of May near the edge of the Goto de 
Doiiana. They were at that time in their fine red or summer 
plumage, and doubtless en route to their as yet unknown 
breeding-grounds in the extreme north. 
238. Tringa nigricans, Mont. The Purple Sandpiper. 
This species, which might perhaps be well termed the Rock- 
Sandpiper, from its habit of chiefly frequenting rocky and 
stony coasts, is altogether omitted by Favier as a Moorish 
