DUNLIN, OR PURRE. 



Tringa variabilis, Meyer. 



Le Becasseau brunette, ou variable. 



In consequence of the remarkable changes to which this Tringa is subjected, it has in its various stages 

 received several specific appellations, therefore to the one now generally adopted, variabilis, is attached a 

 great number of synonyms. 



In its winter or grey dress it is called the Purre, and it is at this season that it is most plentifully distributed 

 along the whole line of our coast, where it may be observed congregated in vast flocks, enlivening the bleak 

 and dreary beach by the celerity with which it runs over the sands, and by its sweeping and vigorous flight, 

 during which, like many other of its congeners, every individual of the flock, be it ever so numerous, simulta- 

 neously exposes the upper or under surface of the body, as they sweep along over the surface of the ocean or 

 across the sands. 



On the approach of spring, the great mass which have wintered in the British Islands retire northwards to 

 breed. At this period a strongly contrasted change takes place in the colouring of the plumage, the uniform 

 grey of winter being superseded by the more rich colouring, which is represented on our Plate. It is in this 

 latter state that it is known by the name of Dunlin. 



When the breeding-season commences the greater portion of these birds leave the sea-shore, and retire 

 inland to wild heaths and the upland country, availing themselves of every situation on their passage that 

 affords a suitable retreat for the rearing of their young. They generally select similar spots to those chosen 

 by the Common Snipe (Scolopax Gallinago, Linn.), to which bird it assimilates in the whole process of 

 incubation. 



Although the greater number of the Dunlins annually migrate northwards, a few solitary pairs always 

 remain in the northern portions of England and Scotland ; in the Orkney and Shetland Islands they are still 

 more abundant, and their numbers gradually increase as we proceed further north, until we arrive at the 

 Arctic Circle. 



On the Continent the Dunlin is as abundant as it is with us, being universally dispersed and subjected to the 

 same natural laws. We would here also mention, that although the sea-coast constitutes their principal place 

 of residence, they are also found on the banks of inlets and streams, as well as on those of the larger rivers, 

 both on the Continent and in our islands. 



The nest is merely a depression in the ground, lined with a few straws or dried grasses : the eggs, four in 

 number, are of a greenish grey, spotted all over with reddish brown. 



The food consists of worms, insects, mollusca, and the small Crustacea, which it obtains by following the 

 ebb-tide. 



The great changes which the Dunlin undergoes rendering it necessary to describe the summer, winter, and 

 immature plumage, we take the liberty of availing ourselves of the accurate description published by Mr. Selby, 

 who has paid great attention to the subject. 



" Winter plumage. Crown of the head, hind part of the neck, back, and scapulars ash grey, with a tinge of 

 hair brown, the shaft of each feather being darker ; between the bill and the eye an indistinct line of brown ; 

 eye-streak and cheeks white, streaked with pale hair-brown ; chin and throat white ; lower part of the neck 

 and breast grey, the shafts of the feathers hair-brown ; under surface pure white ; wing-coverts hair-brown 

 margined with pale ash grey, the larger ones having white tips ; rump and upper tail-coverts deep brown 

 margined with paler; two middle tail-feathers deep brown, the rest on each side grey, with white shafts; 

 bill black ; legs and toes blackish grey. 



" Summer plumage. Crown of the head black, each feather margined with reddish brown; chin white ; 

 cheeks, fore part of the neck and breast black, with the feathers deeply margined with white, giving these 

 parts a beautifully spotted appearance ; under surface black ; flanks and side-coverts of the tail white, streaked 

 with black ; back part of the neck, mantle, and scapulars black, each feather deeply margined with clear 

 reddish brown ; lower part of the back and upper tail-coverts brownish black ; wing-coverts as in the winter 

 plumage. 



" Immature plumage. Head blackish brown, each feather edged with yellowish brown ; upper surface 

 exhibiting a mixture of the pale grey feathers that mark the winter plumage with the darker, or nestling 

 feathers ; cheeks and sides of the neck pale brown mixed with grey ; breast grey spotted with black ; belly white 

 with large black spots ; vent and under tail-coverts white." 



The Plate represents two adults, one in the winter and the other in the summer plumage, of the natural size. 



