220 PE^COCIAL GKALLATOKES — LIMICOL^. 



Mr. Godman met with this species on the Azores. A small flock was usually to 

 be seen in company with some Turnstones about the rocks near Santa Cruz, in Floras. 

 He was told that in summer they were frequently noticed upon the rough pasture- 

 land, and high up in the mountains. It was the common opinion that they go there 

 only to feed. Mr. Godman had no doubt that they also breed there, as he procured 

 in June a male in full summer or breeding plumage ; but his opinions must be 

 regarded as problematical. 



In Great Britain, according to Yarrell, the Purple .Sandpiper, though well known, 

 is not very numerous. It is found on various parts of the coast, preferring the 

 rocky portions, where it is seen from September, throughout the winter, until April 

 or May. That some which leave do not go far, and that a few remain and breed, is 

 regarded as certain. Some are absent a very short time, young ones returning with 

 them ; and on one occasion, on the Fame Islands, Mr. Selby met with a family of this 

 species, the young of which were scarcely able to fly. It is commonly only a winter 

 visitant, and may be seen busily turning over the stones, or searching among the 

 seaweed for the smaller shrimps and sand-hoppers. It also feeds on small crabs, 

 marine insects, and the soft bodies of the smaller shellfish. Mr. Dunn states that 

 it is very numerous in Shetland and the Orkneys in the early spring, collecting there 

 in large flocks. It may be found on tlie rocks at ebb-tide, watching each retiring 

 wave, running down as the water falls back, picking small shellfish off the stones, 

 and displaying great activity in escaping from the advancing sea. None remain 

 there to breed. 



It is said by Wheelwright to breed only in the far north, and never to be seen in 

 Scandinavia except in the autumn, or occasionally in tlie winter. Sommerfeldt states 

 that it is very common dujing the summer on the north coast of West Finland. Mr. 

 Wheelwright had received specimens from Iceland and Greenland, but never from 

 Lapland. The Messrs. Godman found it on the islands near Bodoe, in Norway, 

 throughout the summer. The first specimen was obtained May 4. It is occasional 

 in Switzerland and in Italy ; and Mr. H. Saunders found it abundant during the 

 winter in Southern Spain. 



Mr. Boardman informs me that it is quite common near Calais, Me., in the winter, 

 where it is known as the " Winter Sniiie." It is also very abundant about the rocky 

 shores of Grand Menan. It is very irregular in its apx^earance on the eastern coast 

 of Massachusetts, where in some winters it appears in great numbers, and then again 

 is rarely seen for several years. Mr. Giraud never met with this species, and regarded 

 it as an exceedingly rare bird on the shores of Long Island ; occasionally, however, 

 specimens are seen in the New York market which have been taken on the eastern 

 end of that island. 



Mr. Kumlien mentions tliis "^^'ader as the first to arrive at Cumberland, and the 

 last to leave in autumn, coming by the 1st of June, the earliest moment at which 

 they could have found any rocks bare at low-tide. Their arrival took place during 

 a severe snow-storm, and the Ijirds huddled together under the ledges like a flock of 

 Quails in winter. They remained until November, as late as they could find any 

 exposed shore, and were very common. Some are said to remain in the fiords of 

 South Greenland all winter. 



They are devoid of fear, and can almost be caught with the hand. They nest on 

 the borders of fresh-water lakes, and at this time nearly desert the sea-shore. When 

 in large flocks they keep up a lively and very pleasant twitter. During the breeding- 

 season the males have a peculiar cry, somewhat resembling that of Bartram's Tattler, 

 but lower, and not so prolonged. When the male utters this note it assumes a digni- 



