SCOLOPACID.E. 



Moorish coast during the months of April, May, and June, re- 

 turning to winter further south in October and November." 



This well-known species, however, is to be seen throughout 

 the winter near Gibraltar, sometimes in considerable numbers. 

 Occasionally they wander far up the rivers some distance from 

 the sea, especially in the spring. 



The majority of these Dunlins arrive in flocks about April 

 and May, when they have assumed their full summer dress with 

 black breasts. 



Mr. Chapman found a nest of the Dunlin in the marisma 

 containing four eggs. 



Bill very slightly bent down towards the tip and longer than head ; bill, 

 legs, and feet black. 



Summer. Belly black; general colour above reddish brown, marked with 

 black. 



Winter. Belly white. General colour above ashy grey. Length 

 8 inches. 



308. Tringa striata, Linnaeus. The Purple Sandpiper. 



This species, which might perhaps be well termed the Rock- 

 Sandpiper, from the habit of frequenting rocky and stony coasts, 

 is altogether omitted by Favier as a Moorish bird. 



They are not common in autumn and spring. 



Bill as in Dunlin, but base dull yellow. 



Rump and upper tail-coverts nearly black, with a purplish tinge; seventh 

 to ninth secondaries nearly white ; legs rather short and dull yellow. 

 Length 8 inches. 



Young have feathers above with white margins. 



309. Tringa mirmta, Leisler. The Little Stint. 



This small Sandpiper is not mentioned by Favier as occurring 

 on the Moorish coast ; but is found there from autumn to spring, 

 and we fell in with vast flocks at Meshree el Haddar on the 26th 

 of April in company with Dunlins and Ringed Plovers ; they had 

 then attained their full breeding-dress. Mr. Irby, 60th Rifles, 

 obtained them at Tangier on the 18th of March, 1894. 



