808 



BRITISH BIRDS 



Sanderling. 



Calidris arenaria. 



Fia. 105 SANDEBLINQ (winter plumage). $ natural size. 



Feathers of the upper parts with dark brown centres, edged or 

 spotted with rufous and tipped with grey ; base of inner primaries 

 and edge of greater wing-coverts white, and outer feathers of tail- 

 coverts also white; face, neck, and upper breast pale chestnut 

 spotted with dark brown ; under parts white ; bill black ; legs 

 and feet dark olive. Length, eight inches. In winter the upper 

 plumage is ash-grey and the whole under parts white. 



The sanderling is the sole member of its genus, and differs from 

 other sandpipers in having no hind toe. It arrives on our coasts 

 in August, young and old birds coming together. During the 

 autumn months it is found in small flocks, associating with 

 dunlins and other species on the seashore, and it is also a visitor to 

 the margins of inland waters. A few birds remain through the 

 winter. In April the migrants reappear, and remain until May or 

 June before going north to their breeding-grounds. The sanderling 



