ONTARIO. 



This, like the preceding species, is common to both conti- 

 nents, and is of circumpolar distribution. If it was in the 

 habit of passing this way it did so without being observed till 

 the 3ist of Oct., 1885, when one individual was killed at the 

 Beach by K. C. Mcllwraith. This is the only record we 

 have of it in the Province. 



As its name (Maritima) implies, it is a bird of the sea coast, 

 but though a Sandpiper, it is not so fond of the sandy shores as 

 it is of the rocky ledges covered with sea weeds, where it no 

 doubt finds something to suit its taste. The name purple 

 might lead a stranger to expect this to be a bird of showy 

 colors, but in general appearance it is perhaps the least so of its 

 class, and might be described as about the size and make of the 

 Black-heart, dull slaty-blue above, belly and vent white. Seen 

 when in full plumage the feathers feel soft and silky for a bird 

 of this class, and in certain rays of light seem slightly glossed 

 with purple. 



SUBGENUS ACTODROMAS KAUP. 



91. TRINGA MACULATA VIEILL. 339. 



Pectoral Sandpiper. 



Coloration much as in Baird's Sandpiper, but crown noticeably different 

 from cervix ; chestnut edgings of scapulars straight-edged ; chin whitish, 

 definitely contrasted with the heavily ashy-shaded and sharply dusky- 

 streaked jugulum. Large. Length, 8-g inches ; wing, 5-5^ ; bill, tarsus and 

 middle toe with claw, about i ; bill and feet greenish. 



HAB. The whole of North America, the West Indies, and the greater 

 part of South America. Breeds in the Arctic regions. Of frequent occurrence 

 in Europe. 



While on their extended migratory journey in spring and 

 fall, these birds rest and refresh themselves on the marshes and 

 lake shores of Ontario, where they are frequently observed by 

 sportsmen in flocks of considerable size. 



Near Hamilton they are not of regular occurrence, though 

 they occasionally appear in the fall in goodly numbers, and if the 

 weather keeps soft, remain till October. 



95 



