62 SCOLOPACID^E. 



probably acquired its summer plumage ; and it very closely 

 agrees with the description of the nuptial garb of the species 

 as given by M. Temminck. This bird is rather inferior in 

 size to the Dunlin, but may be always readily distinguished 

 from that species by the peculiar form of the bill, as well as 

 considerable difference in plumage. This specimen was 

 preserved by a friend of mine, who did not notice the sex. 

 It is probable that this Sandpiper may occasionally be 

 found on our eastern coasts during the time of its periodical 

 flights, but, from its similarity to one or two closely allied 

 species, has hitherto escaped detection." 



A second example of this rare bird was shot on the oozy 

 banks of Belfast Bay on the 4th of October, 1844, as re- 

 corded by W. Thompson, Esq., in the Annals of Natural 

 History, vol. xv. This bird was in company with Golden 

 Plovers and Dunlins. 



Although this species has been obtained, but very rarely, 

 in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Scandinavia, 

 as a reference to the works of Savi, Schinz, Brehm, Vieillot, 

 and Nilsson will prove, yet little or nothing of its habits 

 are known. 



This subject, however, in its most interesting particulars, 

 those referring to the breeding-season, has now been com- 

 pletely ascertained by Richard Dann, Esq., who, during his 

 recent visits to Norway and Lapland, having ascertained the 

 breeding grounds of this species, has succeeded in obtaining 

 the old birds in their breeding plumage, their eggs, and a 

 young bird when just able to fly. Mr. Dann has most 

 liberally presented me with the eggs, the young bird, and 

 an old one. I am moreover indebted to his kindness for a 

 long series of notes for my use in this work, of the localities 

 frequented during the breeding season, by a very large pro- 

 portion of those birds which only visit this country for the 



