84 SCOLOPACID.E. 



smaller towards the tail ; the upper tail-coverts have the 

 edges of the feathers white ; the centres black. The beak 

 and legs of the bird arc bright orange-yellow ; the claws 

 black and much arched ; the iris is dusky. 



The plumage of the Purple Sandpiper is not only soft, 

 but very thick, close, and downy, consequently well adapted 

 for the climate it inhabits, and for the purpose of swim- 

 ming. 



The winter plumage is that from which it has most pro- 

 bably derived its name, and in which we have figured it in 

 our Plate. The entire plumage consists of a cinereous dusky 

 feathering for the upper parts, with exception of white edges 

 to the feathers of the wing-coverts ; a white streak passes over 

 and surrounds the eye ; the chin, belly, and vent are white ; 

 the white underparts are all spotted with dusky, in con- 

 sequence of that colour occupying the centre of each feather. 

 The head and feathers of the back reflect a delicate purple ; 

 the legs are yellow, also the beak, at the base, and dusky 

 towards its tip ; iris dusky. 



