138 BIRDS OF THE HUMBER DISTRICT. 



I will state what I consider the principal points of 

 distinction between the two races. The little " drain 

 Dunlin" differs from the more common species in 

 resorting to the borders of the marsh-drains, or to 

 the "fittie" land adjoining the "muds/' in preference 

 to the flats, and is remarkable for its extreme tame- 

 ness, permitting a very close approach. In appear- 

 ance it is a slightly smaller and more delicate-looking 

 bird than the larger type, and has a shorter bill. The 

 winter plumage is paler, with a whiter and more sil- 

 very appearance, reminding one of the winter dress 

 of the Sanderling. In the summer the plumage of 

 the upper parts, although generally resembling the 

 same in the Dunlin, is richer and brighter in colour ; 

 and beneath, the black pectoral patch is smaller, less 

 clearly denned, and more broken into with white, 

 with the sides of the body more closely streaked with 

 dusky brown. The note, although it has a general 

 resemblance to the call of the coast Dunlin, yet 

 differs in being weaker and more frequently and 

 rapidly repeated. The smaller race is much later in 

 assuming the summer dress. 



I have taken parasites from the drain Dunlin 

 which I have not found on the common species, and 

 differing widely in appearance from those peculiar to 

 that bird. 



As an article of food, compared with the Knot 

 and other birds, the Dunlin is not considered a great 

 delicacy. Immense numbers, in severe weather, 



