SANDPIPER. 287 



Whether the female differs from the other sex when adult* is not 

 certain ; but we know that they incline more to brown the first year, 

 and the feathers have ferruginous edges. We received five such from 

 the late Mr. Boys, shot August 10, 1784, which were plainly young 

 birds; and these were under eight inches in length ; added to which, 

 in three others, sent by the above gentleman in October, the plumage 

 was as the first described ; and the bird exceeded eight inches. I 

 have had them too, in August, from Romney, and have not a doubt 

 of their breeding there. The Purre is found on all our coasts during 

 winter, in large flocks, mixed with Sanderlings, no where in greater 

 numbers than on the extensive flats of the coasts of Caermarthen- 

 shire, but not after April, when the Dunlin is also seen. These are 

 collectively called Sanderlings. The Purre is also called Stint, Least 

 Snipe, and Ox-bird. It is curious to observe their mode of flight, 

 moving in large circles, alternately taking in the water and land ; 

 are sometimes shot in great numbers, and thought to be very good 

 eating. 



It is common on all the Continent of Europe, and in all the 

 latitudes of Russia, and Siberia, probably to the Cape of Good 

 Hope, and if we are not mistaken, likewise in India, as we find it 

 in drawings from thence. In those of Lord Mountnorris, it is called 

 Purrye. Found also in America, at New York, from thence as far 

 as Jamaica, and other Islands of the West Indies, as well as at 

 Cayenne. 



46.— LESSER PURRE SANDPIPER. 



Cinclus minor, Bris. v. 215. A. Id. 8vo. ii. 268. 



Cinclus tertius Aldrovandi, Rati, 110. 14. Will. 227. §. II. 



The 3d Tringa of Aldrovandus, Will. Engl. 301. 



ACCORDING to Ray, the colour and shape are the same 

 as in the Purre, but the tail white, with transverse black lines ; 



