20-fc SC0L0PAC1D.E, 



The period of its migration is from the middle of August 

 to September in the autumn, and during April and May in 

 the spring of the year, at which time pairs and single strag- 

 glers only appear ; while, in the autumn, one of these birds 

 may sometimes be seen in company with a flight of redshank 

 sandpipers. Where the present species are more abundant, 

 it is said that they journey generally in groups of from five to 

 ten, and at times even twenty or thirty : under such circum- 

 stances, they fly very close together, and when on the ground 

 they keep closely grouped. 



We have before observed that the Spotted Redshank is 

 chiefly met with in countries that are bordered on one side 

 by the sea ; at the same time, it is rarely found on the sea- 

 coast itself, except where the shore is muddy and soft ; but 

 its favourite haunt is beside rivers, lakes, and ponds of sweet 

 water, where the ground is boggy, and to some extent flat and 

 open. 



The Spotted Redshank rests on the ground, by the water- 

 side, most generally during the day, and also at night when 

 the night is very dark. Its position during roosting is either 

 standing on one leg, or squatted with its head under its wing. 

 The appearance of this species is very handsome when walk- 

 ing on the ground, and its movements elegant : it can run 

 very fast at pleasure, owing to its long legs. When in the 

 act of feeding it walks with its beak near the ground ; and 

 when it finds some prey, it reaches out its neck quickly at 

 some length, and draws it in again immediately. Wading is 

 a daily habit with this species ; and when it gets beyond its 

 depth, it swims very readily with ease and for some distance, 

 nodding at every stroke of its feet ; and in diving it excels 

 many water-birds, if urged by the approach of danger in any 

 form. 



On the wing the present species is swift and strong : it flies 

 at a great height, and, when in the act of alighting, drops it- 



