TRINGA. GRALLATORES. TRINGA. 151 
equalling the length of the middle toe. In the fourth volume 
of the Linnean Transactions, a correct description of our 
bird is given by Monracu.as a supposed nondescript species, 
under the title of the Phayrelarn Sandpiper (T'ringa nigri- 
cans); but he afterwards corrected his mistake in the Orni- 
thological Dictionary and the Supplement to it. It is also 
described in the above mentioned volume by Mr Marcu- 
wick, in his Catalogue of the Birds of Sussex, as the Sea 
Sandpiper (Tringa maritima of Laruam). PENNANT, in 
his description of the Knot, appears to have mixed up this 
bird with the true Knot (J'ringa canutus), in which confu- 
sion he was followed by Bewicx, whose excellent figure of 
the Knot, however, at once identifies it with the Purple Sand- 
piper of authors. SrEPHENs has, in one instance, described 
it as a Tringa, under the title of Tinga canadensis (Que- 
bec Sandpiper of LarHam); and, in another place, as a To- 
tanus, under the name of J'otanus maritimus. 
The Purple Tringa is a winter visitant to this country, Periodical 
generally arriving early in October, and departing for more ee 
northern latitudes in April. On the Northumbrian coast it 
is acommon bird, and is met with in numerous flocks where- 
ever the beach is bold and rocky. The Fern Islands, which 
are composed of trap (or basaltic) rocks, are a favourite re- 
sort, and it sometimes happens that a few stragglers are left 
at the period of the vernal migration, remaining through the 
summer, and breeding on the smaller islets. I have hitherto 
been unable to obtain the eggs, but have met with the young 
more than once in the month of June. When in flocks, 
these birds fly in a compact body, but seldom to any. great 
distance ; and, when disturbed, after taking a small circuit 
seaward, often return to the same exposed rock by the water’s 
edge, from which they started. They feed on marine in- — Food. 
sects, such as onisci, small cancri, and on bivalve molluscze, 
&e. which they seek for by turning aside the fronds of the 
ulvae, and other maritime plants, that grow on the rocks. 
Their cry is feeble, and not unlike the-word weet, weet, fre- 
