304 OUTDOOR LIFE IN ENGLAND 



autumn and spring. Apart from its smaller size, 

 it may be distinguished from the dunlin by its 

 breast being of a light gray colour, streaked with 

 brown ; its bill is also straight, whereas that of 

 the dunlin is slightly curved downwards. 



The dusky, otherwise called the spotted red- 

 shank, is another visitor during its migration in 

 spring and autumn, measuring twelve inches in 

 length, with exceedingly long, dark-red legs. 

 The base of the lower part of the bill is also of 

 the same colour. The plumage, which in sum- 

 mer is nearly black, except the rump and tail 

 feathers, which are white, the latter barred with 

 gray, changes in winter to an ash-gray in the 

 upper parts, mottled with white ; the under parts 

 are of a pale gray, nearly white. Its visitations are 

 almost entirely confined to the Eastern counties. 



The whimbrel may be briefly described as 

 being very similar to the curlew, though con- 

 siderably smaller, measuring about seventeen 

 inches in length. Its plumage differs from that 

 of the curlew, more especially in the colour of 

 the crown of the head, the latter being dark 

 brown with a pale brown streak from the base 

 of the bill over the eyes ; and the feathers of the 

 vent are also, perhaps, whiter. In all other 

 respects, in shape, general bearing, and colour 

 of the plumage, the two birds are very much 

 alike. The whimbrel is also a visitor during its 

 migration in spring and autumn, and in some 

 counties it is so regular in making its appearance 



