BIRDS OF THE SEA 107 



Haunts. Sandy flats. 



Observation. At close quarters easily recognisable by 

 the absence of the hind or fourth toe ; and in flight by 

 dark shoulders contrasted against the white under-parts. 



Plumage. Upper parts black, the feathers being 

 spotted with rufous and margined with grey. Wings 

 nearly black. Bases of inner primaries and edge of 

 greater wing-coverts white ; outer feathers of tail-coverts 

 white. Sides of head, neck, and upper breast pale 

 chestnut, spotted with dark brown ; under parts white. 

 Bill black. Legs and feet dark olive. Length 8 in. 

 Female similar, but slightly larger. In winter, upper 

 parts ash-grey ; under parts white. Young : upper 

 parts black, variegated with white and buff ; under parts 

 white, with buffish band across chest. 



Language. Usually very silent. It utters a low, 

 unmusical " wick." 



Habits. Generally it much resembles the other waders. 



Food. Like the last. 



Nidification. Breeds in Arctic regions. 



BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica). 



An annual but uncommon visitor on spring and autumn 

 migrations, especially to the East Coast. 



Haunts. Sandy and muddy seashores. 



Plumage. Head, neck, and under parts chestnut- 

 red, with some dark streaks ; upper parts mottled with 

 brown and black. Rump white, streaked with brown. 

 Tail buffish white, barred with dark brown. Bill long, 

 slightly upcurved and dark brown. Legs and feet 

 blackish. Length 15^ in. Female, rather larger and 

 less ruddy. In winter, chestnut colouring absent ; 



