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-flats. 



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. 



