Birds of Britain 



THE CURLEW SANDPIPER 



Tringa subarquata (Guldenstadt) 



This bird arrives on our shores from the middle of August 

 onwards, leaving us again in October, and a few are met 

 with on the return journey in May. Although by no 

 means as numerous as many other shore - frequenting 

 migrants, it is not uncommon on certain parts of the coast, 

 especially on the east and south, but is much rarer in the 

 west. It may be recognised by its white rump and by 

 the partially decurved bill, to which it owes its trivial 

 name. 



There is nothing to specially distinguish it in habits 

 from the other species of Waders, and it will generally be 

 found associating with Dunlins. 



The breeding-grounds are in Arctic Siberia east of the 

 Yenesei, and it winters in the tropical regions of the 

 Old World. 



In autumn the adult is brownish grey on the upper 

 parts, white on the rump and under parts. The young 

 birds may be recognised by the light margins to the feathers 

 of the back and a huffish tint on the chest. In the spring 

 plumage the upper parts are chestnut, streaked with black 

 and grey. The under parts are chestnut, sometimes barred 

 or spotted with brown, the feathers having white margins. 

 Length 8 in. ; bill 1-4 in. ; wing 5'1 in. 



3*8 



