The Zoologist — June, 1873. 3549 



and "cinclus," and to substitute that of " variabilis," a decision 

 which recent writers have very generally apjDroved. It seems 

 strange, but is nevertheless true, that although so much pains has 

 been so efficiently taken to establish the identity of these two 

 quasi-species, another question should arise — namely, a doubt 

 whether there are not two species of birds undergoing the same 

 change of plumage, but possessing slightly different habits, fre- 

 quenting different situations, and differing slightly in size; the 

 existence of such species or races in birds, as in the dunlin, the 

 song thrush, and many others, has frequently been mentioned 

 incidentally, but has not hitherto obtained that grave consideration 

 which it demands. I proceed to extract Mr. Cordeaux's remarks 

 on this subject: — 



"I have long been of opinion that we have two races or varieties of 

 dunlin in this district, the one extremely numerous, coming in immense 

 migratory flocks from the north, and feeding on the muds, retiring at high 

 water to lands adjoining ; the other variety or race is scarce, and frequents 

 almost exclusively the muddy border of our large marsh drains. These 

 latter differ very considerably in their habits from the coast dunlin, and are 

 always remarkable for their great tameness, and in this alone exhibit a 

 singular contrast to the wild and shy coast dunlin. For the guidance of 

 future observers, I will state what I consider the principal points of dis- 

 tinction between the two races. The little 'drain' duuhn differs from the 

 more common species, in resorting to the borders of the marsh drains or to 

 the 'fittie' lands adjoining the 'muds' in preference to the flats, and is 

 remarkable for its extreme tameness, permitting a very close approach. In 

 appearance it is a slightly smaller and more delicate-looking bird than the 

 larger type, and has a shorter bfll. The winter plumage is paler, with a 

 whiter and more silvery appearance, reminding one of the winter dress of 

 the sanderling. In the summer the plumage of the upper parts, althouc^li 

 generally resembling the same in the dunlin, is richer and brighter in 

 colour ; and beneath, the black pectoral patch is smaller, less clearly defined, 

 and more broken into with white, with the sides of the body more closely 

 streaked with dusky brown. The note, although it has a general resem- 

 blance to the call of the • coast ' duuhn, yet differs in being weaker and 

 more frequently and rapidly repeated. The smaller race is much later in 

 assuming the summer dress." — P. 137. 



I shall feel obliged if my readers will record their experience 

 when meeting with these divided or sub-species, or pairs of species ; 

 they exist to a very large extent in insects, and I doubt not are 



SECOND SERIES — VOL. VIU. 2 B 



