340 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 



but on the west it is very irregular in its appearance and 

 decidedly rare. It inhabits the north-western Palaearctic region ; 

 it spends its winters in the tropical regions of the Old World. 



In its habits and food it closely resembles the Dunlin, but 

 is easily identified by its much smaller size. 



In plumage it is practically a miniature Dunlin, but it does 

 not boast any black on the breast. Length 5 to 6 in. ; bill 

 07 in.; wing 3-55 in. 



TEMMINCK'S STINT 

 Tringa temmincki i^Leisler) 

 Although nesting much nearer to our shores than the Little 

 Stint, this species is a rare spring and autumn visitor to this 

 country. It breeds commonly in Norway as far south as 

 Trondhjem, and eastwards across Russia beyond the limit of 

 tree growth. In winter it moves eastward as far as India. 



In appearance it is not unlike a very small Common Sand- 

 piper, whereas the Little Stint resembles a small Dunlin. It 

 may, however, be further recognised by the shaft of the outer 

 primary being nearly white, and the two outer tail feathers 

 being quite white. Length about 5 in. ; bill o*6 in. ; wing 

 3*8 in. 



AMERICAN STINT 

 Tringa subminuta minutilla ( Vieillot) 

 This species has only occurred in this country on two or 

 three occasions. It is considered by some naturalists to be 

 merely a local race of Little Stint, and only differs from it in 

 its rather smaller size and darker colour. Length about 5 in. ; 

 wing 3-5 in. 



SANDERLING 

 Tringa arenaria {^LinncBus) 

 The Sanderling is a common coasting autumn and spring 

 migrant to the British Isles. It breeds in the high north. In 



