THE ZOOLOGIST 



No. 811. — January. 1909. 



NOTES ON THE FEEDING-HABITS OF THE 

 DUNLIN (TRINGA A LP IN A). 



By J. M. Dewar. 



What follows is mainly a record of a certain phase of the 

 Dunlin's active life, from direct observation and from a study of 

 the imprints left on the feeding-grounds. Its relations with 

 other birds and with its own kind are bound up so intimately 

 with its feeding-habits that no apology is needed for dealing with 

 them now. 



Several species are named in the books as associates of the 

 Dunlin, and the information is sufficient to indicate that the 

 smaller waders are its most intimate companions. The Dunlins 

 feed alongside of the larger waders, and pass through their 

 flocks as a body, but as a general rule they do not mingle freely 

 with birds much larger than themselves. When they fly along 

 the coast in search of a feeding-place the Dunlins are likely to 

 pitch beside any species of wader, and they may not stay if it is 

 taking food which does not suit them. I have seen a party 

 alight beside Knots which were devouring small mussels, and 

 after a momentary glance take to flight. Common in winter 

 is the sight of a party of Dunlins tripping along in the wake of 

 a Ringed Plover. They follow the long runs of the Plover, and 

 probe eagerly close to it at each halt. At least one of them is 

 sure to examine the place from which the Plover extracted some- 

 thing at the end of its run. They probe a little on the way, and 

 Zool. 4th ser. vol. XIII., January, 1909. b 



