SCOLOPACID^. 183 



markings of grey and brown. When the nest is approached, 

 the female leaves it as quietly as possible, and at times will 

 run before rising, evidently to prevent the discovery of the 

 eggs; butaf there are young, the parent birds become cla- 

 morous at the approach of the intruder. 



THE SPOTTED TOTANUS. Totanus macularius. This bird, 

 also known as the Spotted Sandpiper, is only accounted an 

 accidental visitor in Europe, its true home being the conti- 

 nent of America; yet it has been taken in England, and 

 thus obtained a place in our list of British birds. In Ame- 

 rica its habits correspond to a great extent with those of 

 our last-named native species. It frequents the shores of 

 rivers, creeks, arid streams, builds its nest in the adjoining 

 cornfields, where these occur, and lays four eggs, which 

 differ in form, Mr. Hewitson observes, from those of the 

 other Sandpipers, wanting the pear-shaped character of the 

 eggs of the other waders. 



BARTRAM'S SANDPIPER. Totanus Bartramii. A speci- 

 men of this bird was captured in Cambridgeshire in 

 January 1855, as recorded by Mr. Yarrell, this being the 

 second instance of its known occurrence in this country. It 

 occasionally occurs in Europe, and has even been found in 

 Australia, but its true habitat is America, from Canada, 



