WOOD SANDPIPER. 3 



ground, which we can partly prove by the fact that several 

 specimens are annually obtained on Wimbledon Common, 

 in Surrey; and during the time of migration, it generally 

 alights in swamps where man can obtain no footing with 

 any security from sinking in : it also frequents the muddy 

 shores of lakes of all dimensions, but is never found on the 

 sea-coast. 



The Wood Sandpiper is rarely found in flocks, except 

 during the time of migration, but it is not uncommonly 

 seen, in company with redshanks or ruffs, on the shores of 

 lakes or ponds very early in the spring. 



The general appearance of the present species is very 

 elegant when seen running about on the ground, to which 

 its slender body and long legs contribute very considerably ; 

 and on taking wing it is peculiarly conspicuous, in conse- 

 quence of its dusky feathering and white rump being so 

 clearly defined, although the contrast of colour is not so 

 great as in the foregoing species. 



When the Wood Sandpiper perceives any sudden ap- 

 proach of danger, it remains immoveable until compelled to 

 take wing, when it mounts high in the air and flies off to 

 a great distance, and with a velocity that surpasses all others 

 of its family. 



During the time of migration the pecular gathering-note, 

 giff, giff ! may be heard often repeated, forming a concert 

 or chorus of many voices, and serving to keep together the 

 assembled travellers, until fatigue compels them to alight 

 for rest in some convenient spot. The male bird has during 

 the breeding season another call-note, which sounds like 

 teatril, teatril ! 



It is a curious fact, that the Wood Sandpiper can easily 

 be kept in confinement, and that its constitution will gene- 

 rally overcome a broken wing. 



The food of the Wood Sandpiper consists in such small 



