GRALLATORES. 201 



the genus Tringa, to arrive. I have a pair in my 

 collection in summer plumage, killed at Kingsbury 

 as early as April 7th. It frequents large sheets of 

 water, such as the Eeservoirs of Kingsbury, Ruislip, 

 and Elstree, and is seldom found along the streams, 

 as is the case with the Common and Green Sand- 

 pipers. 



On the return of this species in August after the 

 breeding season the plumage is very different to that 

 assumed in April. It becomes much duller ; the 

 rich reddish brown of the upper parts changes to a 

 dull grey, and the black feathers on the breast 

 disappear entirely, leaving all the under parts pure 

 white.* 



The period at which the Dunlin arrives at its full 

 summer plumage probably depends upon the age of 

 the bird. I saw two on the llth June, one of which 

 had a rich reddish brown back and completely black 

 breast, the other a grey back and scarcely any trace of 

 black on the under parts. The latter was, no doubt, 

 the younger bird, and probably a bird of the previous 

 year. 



The Dunlin has more rarely been found here in 

 winter. 



* In the autumn of 1865 I saw an entirely white Dunlin, 

 which had been recently shot at Aldborough, on the Suffolk 

 coast. The quill-feathers were much worn, and the bird 

 had the appearance of great age. 



