BIRDS MET WITH BY THE WILDFOWLER 341 
size it is similar to the Dunlin, but has a slightly shorter bill, 
which is straight and not decurved. The plumage of the 
upper parts is ashy grey in winter, changing to rufous cin- 
namon in spring. The young have the feathers of the mantle 
dark brown, edged with white. In all stages of plumage the 
under parts are white. Length 7°5 in. 
DUNLIN 
Tringa alpina (Linneus) 
The Dunlin, or, as it is sometimes called, the Ox-bird, is a 
resident species in this country, and is the most numerous of all 
our shore-birds. It is also found inhabiting the Palzarctic 
region and some portion of the Nearctic region. At all 
times of the year and round all our coasts it may be seen run- 
ning about and feeding on the animal life to be found among 
the rocks or in the soft muddy ooze recently left by the ebbing 
tide. It is almost always found in flocks, which are often made 
up of thousands of individuals, and when driven from one 
place they may be seen twisting and turning on the wing in 
graceful flight, preparatory to settling again on some rich 
feeding ground. It is most absurdly tame on occasions, so 
that it is possible to walk right among a flock, which will con- 
tinue feeding or resting as though unconscious of the presence 
of an intruder. Suddenly an individual will sound the little 
alarm-note, and the whole flock will rise as though governed 
by one mind, even those who were asleep flying off in full 
possession of their faculties as though they had been on the 
alert all the time. In summer many leave us to nest in Northern 
Europe, while others betake themselves to inland moors or salt 
marshes round the coast on which to breed. It cannot be 
called a common nesting species with us, but it has been found 
in suitable places throughout the British Isles, becoming more 
numerous in the north. 
