AVES—SANDPIPER. 645 
mon sandpiper, which is a solitary bird, is in weight about two ounces; the 
head is brown, streaked with black, the back and coverts brown, mixed with 
glossy green; the breast and belly pure white. Its note is louder and more 
piping than others of this genus. It frequents rivers, lakes, and meres, and 
is never found near the sea. 
THE RED-BACKED SANDPIPER! 
Innazits both the old and new continents, being known in England by the 
name of Dunlin; and in the United States, along the shores of New Jersey, 
by the name of red-back. They frequent the muddy flats and shores of the 
salt marshes at low water, feeding on small worms and other insects which 
abound in such places. It has not till now beer recognized by naturalists 
as inhabiting this part of North America. 
THE S-OLIDAR Y.. SANDPIPER? 
Innazits the watery solitudes of our highest mountains during the summer, 
from Kentucky to New York, but is nowhere numerous, seldom more than 
one or two being seen together. It takes low, short flights; runs nimbly 
about among the mossy margins of mountain springs, brooks, and pools, 
occasionally stopping, looking at you, and perpetually nodding the head. 
It is so unsuspicious as to permit one tu approach within a few yards of it, 
without appearing to take notice, or to be the least alarmed. 
THE RED-BREASTED SANDPIPER 
Is commonly called the gray back, or brown back. on our seacoasts. It isa 
particular favorite among gunners, being generally a very plump, tender, and 
excellent bird for the table. They usually keep in small flocks, alight on 
the sand-flats in a close body, where they search for small bivalve shells. 
On the approach of the sportsman, they frequently stand fixed and silent for 
some time; do not appear to be easily alarmed, neither do they run about 
im the water as much as some others, or with the same rapidity, but appear 
more tranquil and deliberate. They retire to the south in November. 
The other individuals of this family, both American and foreign, are too 
numerous to be particularized. 
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1Tringa alpina, Lin. 2Tringasolitaria, Witson. *%Tringa rufa, Witson. 
