1222 APPENDIX I. 



Habits. — This cosmopolitan Stint resembles the rest of its family in its habits and economy, associating, however, 

 not unfrequently with Sand-Plovers, to which, in the absence of its hind toe, it bears a trifling resemblance. It also 

 consorts with larger birds, such as Oyster-catchers and Godwits. Von Heuglin remarks that it carries its neck more 

 drawn in than other Stints, and also the bill and head more forward. When flying, and also on the approach of danger, 

 he observes that it utters its note, which he likens to zi or schri. It is less active than these birds in its movements. 

 Captain Feilden found it feeding in the far north on the buds of the Saxifraga oppositifolia, a diet which Knots and 

 other species likewise take to in those regions. He also observed small parties of young ones following their parents, 

 and searching most diligently for insects. 



Nidification. — Although the Sanderling has such a wide circumpolar distribution, its eggs have very seldom been 

 found, and as yet they have only been taken in very high latitudes. Macfarlane found a nest with four eggs on the 

 Anderson River, and describes it as composed of hay and decayed leaves. One of these eggs was exhibited by Professor 

 Newton at a meeting of the Zoological Society in 1871, and is figured on pi. iv. fig. 2 of the ' Proceedings ' for that year. 

 The same naturalist exhibited in that year the eggs sent from Dr. Finsch as having beeu procured on Sabine Island, 

 and which agreed with that from Anderson River. Another egg, bought in Iceland iu 1858 by Professor Newton and 

 Mr. Wolley, is identified as being almost unquestionably a Sanderling's. 



The nest Captaiu Peilden found " was placed on a gravel ridge, at an altitude of several hundred feet above the 

 sea ; and the eggs were deposited in a slight depression in the centre of a recumbent plant of arctic willow, the lining 

 of the nest consisting of a few withered leaves and some of the last year's catkins." " The eggs," writes Mr. Dresser, 

 " may best be described by comparing them to miniature Curlew's eggs of a pale colour. In size they are about equal 

 to those of the Wood-Sandpiper." 



Page 900. — Strepsilas interpres. Two specimens shot on the coast of Wales in full breeding-plumage, on the 27th 

 May, demonstrate the superior size of the female ; the measurements are as follows : — 3 , wing 5-9 inches ; $ , wing 6-1. 



Page 934. — Charadrius fulvus. With reference to Layard's statement, in the 'Ibis,' 1879, that this Plover breeds 

 in New Caledonia, and to which I refer at page 936, he writes me recently that there is no question about the matter, 

 and that had his son known that the species had not hitherto been found breeding south of the equator, he would have 

 shot specimens of old and young. While on the island referred to (Ansevata) the birds were several times close to him, 

 so that he could not be mistaken in his identification. 



In Mr. Parker's last letter is contained a very interesting announcement concerning this species, namely that 

 Mr. Goonewardene, Assist.-Sup. of Tanks in the N.W. Province, had sent him a Golden Plover's egg, taken out of a 

 bird shot in April. It is difficult to believe that this example would not have bred in low latitudes. Some of the eggs 

 brought to Swinhoe in Formosa may, after all, have been those of this species. 



Page 1059. — Podiceps fluviatilis. Mr. Parker writes me that this species is common in the N.E. Province and 

 N. Province. 



Page 1006. — Nettwpw eoromandelianus. According to the same authority, the Goose-Teal is common in the Northern 

 Province, 



Page 1070. — Tadorna casarca. This Sheldrake can no longer be relegated to the doubtful or unprocured species in 

 the Ceylon lists. Mr. G. Simpson, of the Indian Telegraph Department, has lately sent a portion of the skin of a male 

 shot by him in the Jaffna district to Mr. Parker for identification. He likewise furnishes a description of the bird, which 

 has been forwarded to me, and there is no doubt about the matter. The wing of the example in question measures 

 14 - 75 inches. Mr. Simpson says that they are not uncommon iu the cool season on the Jaffna lake, near Pooneryn, and 

 on the Delft, Palverainkadoo and Mullaittivu lagoons. They are, he fiuds, very wary, flying high when disturbed, and 

 uttering a note like conk, conk. 



Page 1073. — Anas pcecilorhyncka. Mr. Simpson has met with this species on the Palverainkadoo lagoon. He 

 likewise is of opinion that he has seen the Mallard in the same locality. I recommend the procuring of this latter 

 species to collectors in Ceylon, so that the doubt may be cleared up. 



Page 1092. — Phosnicop/terus roseus. Mr. Simpson sends word through Mr. Parker of a large flock of Flamingoes 

 having been met with by Mr. Clarke, of the Forest Conservancy Department, on the Jaffna Lake, during June of this 

 year. This interesting record of the occurrence of the species in the island during the S.W. monsoon shows that it is 

 partly resident there. The same gentleman informs me that he has only met with it on the N.W. coast between the months 

 of November and April. 



