616 SCOLOPAClDyE. 



In the Kurrachee harbour the Dunlin is simply numerous, also on the Mekran 

 Coast, where they may be seen running nimbly near the edges of the sea or 

 skimming along near the surface in fairly large flocks. 



Gen. Machetes Cuv. 



Bill straight ; first and second quills of wing longest ; outer toe united as far 

 as the first joint ; hind toe short and elevated. 



1296. Machetes pugnax (Linn.), Dresser, B. Eur. viii. p. 87, pi. ; 

 Hume and Dav., Sir. F. vi. p 460 ; Hume, Sir. F. viii. p. 1 12 ; Scully, Sir. 

 F. viii. p. 357 ; Legge, B. Ceylon p. 873 ; Oates, Sir. F. x. p. 240. Tringa 

 pugnax, Linn., Syst. Nat. I, p. 247. Philomachus pugnax, Jerd.> B. Ind. 

 ii. p. 687 ; Murray, Vert. Zool. t Sind, p, 248. The RUFF. 



In winter the plumage of these birds is very variable, the upper parts are 

 from pale earthy to rich brown, the feathers with black or dark brown central 

 spots and fulvous edges ; the head, nape and neck behind paler; chin and 

 throat white ; neck in front and breast pale earthy or grey brown, the feathers 

 margined at the tip with white ; abdomen, vent and under tail coverts white ; 

 primaries dark brown ; secondaries paler, edged and margined at the tip with 

 white ; greater coverts tipped white, forming a wing band ; the lesser and 

 median ones black, edged with rufous or reddish brown, also the greater 

 coverts in some stages. The plumage is so variable, that out of 50 skins or 

 more, no two birds would be found alike. During summer or in their breed- 

 ing plumage the males acquire a ruff, which is very variously coloured and 

 stands erect behind the head, the face is covered with reddish tubercles and the 

 upper parts and breast marked with transverse bars. Bill dusky ; irides 

 brown ; legs fleshy yellow. 



Length. 12 to I2'5, inches; wing 7-25 ; tail 2'5 ; bill at front 1*3 ; tarsus 2. 



Hab. Throughout India and Ceylon, and in great numbers during winter. 

 Occurs also in Beloochistan, Persia and Afghanistan. Breeds in Europe. During 

 spring on their return to the breeding grounds, generally the fens, they become 

 very pugnacious, the females being "causa terrima belli." Being poly- 

 gamous, the Ruffs, on hearing the cry of a female or seeing one, immediately 

 rouses itself, and begins a fight with others ; their combats are described as 

 being both desperate and long ; at the end of the fight the female, it is said, 

 becomes tfie mate or prize of the victor. Buffon says" They not only contend 

 with each other in a single rencounter, but they advance to combat in mar- 

 shalled ranks." " Their actions in fighting," according to Selby, "are very 

 similar to those of a game cock, with the head lowered, and^the beak held in 

 a horizontal position ; the ruff and every feather distended, the former sweep- 

 ing the ground as a shield ;" and he adds " that in such feuds their contests 

 are often attended by fatal consequences." 



