The Marbled Godwit 



Sanderlings in their winter range occur chiefly in small flocks number- 

 ing from a dozen to forty individuals. Larger flocks, sometimes numbering 

 hundreds, are, however, characteristic of the migrations. Sanderlings are 

 rather independent in their associations, being at all times self-reliant 

 and ready to back their own judgment. They are on good terms with the 

 Black-bellied Plovers {Squatarola squatarola), and will tolerate Western 

 and Red-backed Sandpipers, though they do not seek such companionship. 



The Sanderling is the most widely and thoroughly distributed of all 

 Shore-birds (save, possibly, the Turnstone, of which, however, two races are 

 distinguishable, Arenaria interpres interpres and A. i. morinella), and it is 

 not known to present any geographical variations. It breeds in the high 

 Arctic regions, being among those found farthest north ; and it winters on 

 all continental, ice-free shores, save those of Australia. In migrations 

 it occurs freely on inland waters, but it probably does not winter beyond the 

 reach of the tide. It was formerly, probably erroneously, accounted rare 

 along the Pacific Coast, where it is now recognized as common, but it is 

 altogether probable that East Pacific migrants hail from breeding grounds 

 which lie a little east of north. 



Taken near Santa Barbara 



Photo by the Author 



"FLIGHT CAN BE AS INSTANT" 



No. 244 



Marbled Godwit 



A. O. U. No. 249. Limosa fedoa (Linnseus). 



Synonyms. — Brown Marlin. Common Marlin. Spike-billed Curlew. 

 Description. — Adult: General color pale cinnamon or ochraceous-buff; the 

 head and neck all around streaked and spotted with brownish dusky; the back, etc., 



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