116 PURPLE SANDPIPER KNOT. 



throat and breast tinged with buff and streaked with light 

 brown ; under parts white. 



Language. Like Dunlin, but more prolonged. 



Habits. It derives its name from its curved bill, which 

 somewhat resembles the Curlew's. It is usually seen in small 

 flocks, often with Dunlins and other waders, whom it greatly 

 resembles in habits. On the wing the white tail-coverts are 

 conspicuous. 



Food. Aquatic insects, small Crustacea, worms, &c. 



Nidijication. Very little is known of its breeding habits, 

 but it probably nests within the Arctic circle. 



PUKPLE SANDPIPER (Tringa striata). 



An autumn and winter visitor to our coasts. In breeds on 

 the Faroe Islands, and may possibly do so in the extreme north 

 of Scotland, but there is as yet no proof of it. 



Haunts. Eocky sea-coasts where there is plenty of seaweed. 

 Occasionally found on inland waters. 



Observation. Distinguishable on account of its dark colour, 

 rather short legs (for a wader), and stout figure. 



Plumage. Head and neck dusky brown, tinged with grey. 

 Upper parts blackish, with purple reflections and ashy margins. 

 Throat, neck, and breast greyish, with brownish streaks ; under 

 parts white. Two of the secondaries white and conspicuous in 

 flight. Bill blackish. Legs and feet ochreous yellow. Length 

 8f in. Female similar, but rather larger, In winter, upper 

 parts sooty ; breast dark ash-brown, indistinctly mottled. 



Language. A low " whit-whit." Usually very silent. 



Habits. With us it is seen in small parties, often with other 

 waders. It swims well, and seeks its food rather after the 

 manner of the Turnstone. Very tame in disposition. 



Food. Marine insects, small Crustacea, and mollusca. 



N'idification. Breeds in Arctic regions. 



KNOT (Tringa canutus). 



A regular visitor on migration in autumn and spring, chiefly 

 to the east coast. 



Haunts. Sand- and mud-flats. 



Plumage. Crown and neck reddish brown, with dark brown 

 streaks. Mantle blackish, the feathers being spotted with 

 chestnut and margined with white. Tail-coverts white, barred 

 with black. Cheeks, throat, and breast chestnut. Flanks and 

 under tail-coverts whitish, mottled with black. Bill, legs, and 

 feet black. Length 10 in. Female similar. In winter, upper 

 parts ash-grey, and under parts white, flecked with grey. 



