BIRDS FOUND ALONG THE BEACHES _ 65 
If disturbed, the mother flies a short distance with a 
shrill cry and, hiding behind a tussock, watches the 
intruder but makes no attempt to defend. 
By September 1 the adults are in winter plumage and 
ready for their trip south. 
242. LEAST SANDPIPER, OR MEADOW OXEYE. 
Tringa minutilla. 
Famity: The Snipes and Sandpipers. 
Length: 5.00-7.00. 
Adults in Summer: Upper parts dusky, nearly black ; feathers edged 
with light red-brown; middle tail-feathers black, outer ones gray ; 
upper throat, belly, and sides white; neck and breast yellowish 
white, streaked with dusky. 
Adults in Winter: Upper parts lighter than in summer, and clouded 
with dusky ; under parts light gray, finely streaked with darker. 
Young: Similar, but with heavy black streak through crown and middle 
of back. 
Geographical Distribution: North America, wintering from the Gulf 
States southward. 
Breeding Range: From Canada to arctic regions. 
Breeding Season: May 15 to June 15, 
Nest: A slight depression in the dry ground near water; usually lined 
with leaves and grasses. 
Liggs: 3 or 4; light gray, speckled with cinnamon and lavender. Size 
1.15 X 0.85. 
THESE tiny little Sandpipers are commonly found in 
flocks, alone or in company with the semipalmated sand- 
pipers, along the shores of the bays and lakes of Cali- 
fornia during the fall, winter, and spring. They trip 
lightly along the beaches, just at the edge of the water, 
with a dainty bobbing walk, scurrying out of the reach 
of a wave, picking up bugs and water insects, and so 
absorbed in the fun that they forget to be afraid. Mr. 
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