BIRDS MET WITH BY THE WILDFOWLER 341 



size it is similar to the Dunlin, but has a slightly shorter bill, 

 which is straight and not decurved. The plumage of the 

 upper parts is ashy grey in winter, changing to rufous cin- 

 namon in spring. The young have the feathers of the mantle 

 dark brown, edged with white. In all stages of plumage the 

 under parts are white. Length 7*5 in. 



DUNLIN 



Tringa alpina {Linncetts) 



The Dunlin, or, as it is sometimes called, the Ox-bird, is a 

 resident species in this country, and is the most numerous of all 

 our shore-birds. It is also found inhabiting the Palaearctic 

 region and some portion of the Nearctic region. At all 

 times of the year and round all our coasts it may be seen run- 

 ning about and feeding on the animal life to be found among 

 the rocks or in the soft muddy ooze recently left by the ebbing 

 tide. It is almost always found in flocks, which are often made 

 up of thousands of individuals, and when driven from one 

 place they may be seen twisting and turning on the wing in 

 graceful flight, preparatory to settling again on some rich 

 feeding ground. It is most absurdly tame on occasions, so 

 that it is possible to walk right among a flock, which will con- 

 tinue feeding or resting as though unconscious of the presence 

 of an intruder. Suddenly an individual will sound the little 

 alarm-note, and the whole flock will rise as though governed 

 by one mind, even those who were asleep flying off" in full 

 possession of their faculties as though they had been on the 

 alert all the time. In summer many leave us to nest in Northern 

 Europe, while others betake themselves to inland moors or salt 

 marshes round the coast on which to breed. It cannot be 

 called a common nesting species with us, but it has been found 

 in suitable places throughout the British Isles, becoming more 

 numerous in the north. 



