BRITISH BIRDS. 



79 



THE PURPLE SANDPIPER. 



WINTER PLUMAGE. 



(Tringa Maritima, Brunn. Becasseau violet, Temm.) 



THE specimen from which the above drawing 

 was taken measured, from the point of the bill to 

 the tip of the tail, eight inches and a half; the ex- 

 tended wings about fifteen; and it weighed two 

 ounces eight drachms: bill one inch and three- 

 eighths long, black at the tip, and dusky, fading 

 into orange towards the base ; tongue of nearly the 

 same length, sharp and horny at the point; sides 

 of the head, neck, and breast, cinereous, edged with 

 ash-grey; chin white, and a stroke of the same 

 passes over each eye. All the upper parts of the 

 plumage darkish brown, but more deep and glossy 

 on the crown of the head, back, and scapulars, and 



