SANDEELINGR TJFF. 117 



Young: upper feathers narrowly edged with black, followed 

 by a sandy margin ; under parts dull buff, spotted with 

 dusky. 



Language. Usually very silent. It utters a twittering kind 

 of " twih." 



Habits. Generally much like the waders already described. 



Food. Small Crustacea, mollusca, &G. 



Nidification. Little is known of its breeding habits, but it 

 probably breeds within the Arctic Circle. 



SANDEBLING (Calidris arenaria). 



A regular visitor on migration in autumn and spring, some 

 remaining throughout the winter. 



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 

 described. 



Food. Like the last. 



Nidification. Breeds in Arctic regions. 



BUFF (FEMALE, BEEVE) (Machetes pugnax). 



Now extinct as a breeding species. Usually seen on the 

 autumn migration, less often in spring, chiefly on the east 

 coast. 



Haunts. Marsh- and fen-districts. 



Plumage. Face covered with yellowish caruncles. Tuft of 

 curled feathers on each side of head. An erectile, shield-like 

 ruff round neck, which is variegated with purplish, chestnut, 

 grey, and white. Plumage generally mottled with ash, black, 

 brown, yellowish, and white. Bill brown, darker at tip. Legs 

 and feet yellowish brown. Length 12 in . Plumage very variable. 

 The foregoing is the male's nuptial dress, worn only in May and 



