574 



THE DUNLIN. 



flocks of thirty or forty in numbei-. Sixty were once killed at a single shot in a harbor in the 

 month of October. 



The Curlew Sandpiper is regarded as very rare in America ; indeed, it is scarcely more 

 than a straggler along the Atlantic coast. It is found in most parts of the Old World. 



Semi-palmated Sandpiper {Ereunetes pusillus). The liabitat of this species is the 

 whole northern and a portion of the southern continent. It is abundant and well known 

 on the Atlantic coast. It is one of tlie smallest of its tribe ; the length being six inches, and 

 extent of wing twelve. The males and females are alike in coloration. Though properly 

 a sea-shore bird, it is occasionally seen on the shores of inland lakes. It is seen in the Mis- 

 souri region during migration. Its half-webbed feet, whiqh gives it a si^ecitic name, readily 

 distinguish it. The birds vary greatly in size. In general appearance they resemble the 

 stints or peeps. 



A variety, called the Western Sandpiper, is found in the Western States. 





SANDERLING. - Calidris a/e/iaria. 



The Sanderling {Cal/'dris arenaria), called also Ruddy Plover. This bird has an 

 extended hab/lat, covering the coasts of all countries. It visits New England during the 

 lattei" weeks of summer, after the breeding season in the far north. While feeding on the 

 beaches it utters a plaintive whistle. It is abundant on the coast generally. Tlie length of body 

 is eight inches, and extent of wing iifteen inches. 



Temminck's Stint is remarkable for being the smallest of the European Sandpipers, the 

 average length being about five inclies and a half. 



This little bird is rarely found on the far northern coasts, preferring inland rivers and 

 sheets of water, where it feeds upon worms and aqmitic insects. It is said by Nilsson to breed 

 on the shores of the seas of northern Europe. 



The Dunlin is known under a variety of names, such as the Stint, the Ox-bird, the Sea- 

 snipe, and the Purre, the last of which is the most common. 



