214 SCOLOPACID.E. 



to a great distance on its way, either north or south, accord- 

 ing to the time of the year in which direction its destination 

 lies. It flies always at a great elevation, from whence it 

 descends like a stone to the spot where it intends to alight, 

 either for rest or food. Open exposed river banks, destitute 

 of grasses or weeds, do not harbour the Green Sandpiper, for 

 although it does not conceal itself among herbage, it in- 

 variably sojourns in its shelter, and is also more frequently 

 found in situations like the woodcock, among wet or swampy 

 copse-wood, or ditches that are among underwood, than in 

 more open spots. 



The Green Sandpiper is a very handsome little bird, and 

 may be recognised by its snowy-white rump and barred tail- 

 feathers when flying, in which it greatly differs from all 

 others of its family. The present species runs about on the 

 ground with ease and agility, and, if necessary, with great 

 swiftness. The flight of this Sandpiper is exceedingly quick, 

 and the bird is very strong on the wing. It does not open 

 its wings generally to their full extent, but moves them very 

 quickly. When alighting, it almost closes its wings, and shoots 

 down swiftly until it nearly reaches the ground, and then 

 breaks its fall by one or two short turnings. Sociability is 

 not one of the recommendations of this species, for it neither 

 associates with its own species, except during the breeding- 

 season, nor with any other Sandpipers ; it is also a very shy 

 bird, and its capture is facilitated chiefly by its partiality for 

 cover, from whence it now and then perceives the approach of 

 its enemy too late. If the Green Sandpiper is taken by sur- 

 prise in its favourite covered haunt, it flies off low to the 

 ground, without uttering the least noise until it reaches an 

 opening, and then it utters its cry and mounts high in the air. 



The call-note of the present species sounds like the words 

 dlwee, dlee, dlee! quickly repeated in a high tone ; and also 

 dick, dick ! the latter in the spring of the year. 



