66 WATER BIRDS 
Bailey describes them as quick to take alarm, but I 
have had them pick up food almost under my feet. 
Their habit of frequenting the meadows in the vicinity 
of water and hiding in the long grass has given them 
the name of “ Meadow Oxeye.” On account of their 
small size, they escape the covetous eye of sportsmen 
and plume-hunters, and are in little danger of being 
decimated by the gun. When newly hatched, the young 
are not larger than a man’s thumb, and they begin im- 
mediately to run about on their spry little legs. 
243a. RED-BACKED SANDPIPER, OR OX BIRD. 
Tringa alpina pacifica. 
(Common names: American Dunlin; Lead Back; Black 
Breast.) 
Famity: The Snipes and Sandpipers. 
Length: 7.50-8.00. 
Adults in Swnmer: Upper parts bright reddish-brown, more or less 
mottled and streaked with black; breast whitish, streaked with 
dark gray ; centre of belly black ; sides and lower belly white. 
Adults in Winter: Upper parts brownish gray, streaked with dark 
gray ; breast ashy, streaked indistinctly with darker ; rump, throat, 
and belly white. 
Young: Similar to winter adults, but with upper parts streaked with 
black and buffy. 
Geographical Distribution: North America; south in winter to South 
America. | 
Breeding Range: Arctic regions. 
Nest: A slight hollow; lined with grass. 
Eggs: 3 or 43 grayish buffy or greenish white, dotted with shades of 
brown. Size 1.43 X 1.01. 
THIS species may be known in any plumage by its 
curved bill. It is common along the coast of California 
