52 



SCHINZ'S SANDPIPER. 



Tringa Schinzii, BUONAPARTE. EYTON. GOULD. 



*' " TEMMINCK. 



Tringa ? Schinzii Of Schinz. 



THIS species has been named after M. Schinz, the very 

 eminent naturalist of Switzerland. 



It is a native of America, and spreads over the whole of 

 the northern continent, which appears to be its stronghold, 

 throughout the United States, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Maine, 

 and New Jersey, from Florida to Labrador. Meyer says that 

 in Europe it occurs not uncommonly in Denmark, Holstein, 

 and Schleswig, and along the borders of the North Sea and 

 the Baltic. 



A specimen, shot near Stoke Heath, Shropshire, was in the 

 collection of Sir Rowland Hill, Bart., as made known to the 

 public by the late Thomas Eyton, Esq., of Eyton. 



These birds, according to Charles Lucien Buonaparte, the 

 Prince of Canino, frequent the borders of lakes, marshy places, 

 creeks, sand-bars, and brackish waters. 



In the earlier part of the season they are by no means shy, 

 but they become so afterwards, whether in flocks by themselves, 

 or associated with other allied species. 



Audubon says, 'They fly at a considerable height with 

 rapidity, deviating alternately to either side, and plunge toward 

 the ground.' 



They feed on small beetles, and other insects and their 

 larva?, and worms picked up at the water's edge. 



The note is a mere 'weet,' or 'tree, tree,' expressed in a shrill 

 and unmelodious manner. 



The nest is placed by lakes or marshes, on some grassy knoll. 



The eggs are four in number, yellowish grey, or pale olive 

 green, spotted with olive or chesnut brown markings. 



