278 TlMEHRl. 



tint, mixed with black and white in the summer. In the . 

 winter plumage, this is replaced by ashy grey. 



The Sanderling does not appear to be a common bird 

 here, as it is but rarely met with. 



Much larger than the Sanderling is the Knot or Red- 

 breasted Sandpiper (Tringa caniUusJ which attains a 

 length of 10 inches, the slender bill being i^ inch. The 

 bill and feet are black. The upper surface is ashy, 

 marked with blotches of white, black and rufous. The 

 under surface is of a bright chestnut. In the winter 

 dress, the birds are ashy above and white below. 



As will have been gathered from the description, 

 these birds are of very variable plumage according to 

 the season. In the colony they are of rare occurrence. 

 They are much more common in the Old World, where 

 they are known to migrate as far south as Australia and 

 New Zealand. They are known to breed in the extreme 

 Ar6lic regions. 



Of about the same size (8 inches) as the Sanderling, is 

 the Common Spotted Sandlark, Sandpiper or *' Nit" 

 (Tringoides macularius) , which will be met with by the 

 waterside throughout almost the whole colony, more 

 especially on the mud-flats and sand-banks. They are 

 migrants from the North, whither they resort for the 

 breeding season, but many remain throughout the year 

 with us. The beak of this species is thin and slender, a 

 little longer than the head, and, like the feet, of a green- 

 ish yellow colour. The upper surface is of a dark brown 

 with faint greenish tints ; the under parts are white, 

 thickly marked with small brown spots. The spots are 

 fewer on the hinder parts. 



Much smaller than all the others of its group is the 



