1222 
APPENDIX I. 
Habits. — This cosmopolitan Stint resembles the rest of its family in its habits and economy, associating, however, 
not unfrequently with Sancl-Plovers, to which, in the absence of its hind toe, it hears a trifling resemblance. It also 
consorts with larger birds, such as Oyster-catchers and Godwits. Yon Heuglin remarks that it carries its neck more 
drawn in than other Stints, and also the bill and head more forward. When flying, and also on the approach of danger, 
he observes that it utters its note, which he likens to zi or schri. It is less active than these birds in its movements. 
Captain Peilden found it feeding in the far north on the buds of the Saxifraga oppositifolia, a diet which Knots and 
other species likewise take to in those regions. He also observed small parties of young ones following their parents, 
and searching most diligently for insects. 
NidifuxUion. — Although the Sanderling has such a wide circumpolar distribution, its eggs have very seldom been 
found, and as yet they have only been taken in very high latitudes. Macfarlane found a nest with four eggs on the 
Anderson Kiver, and describes it as composed of hay and decayed leaves. One of these eggs was exhibited by Professor 
Newton at a meeting of the Zoological Society in 1871, and is figured on pi. iv. fig. 2 of the ‘ Proceedings ’ for that year. 
The same naturalist exhibited in that year the eggs sent from Dr. Finseh as having been procured on Sabine Island, 
and which agreed with that from Anderson River. Another egg, bought in Iceland in 1858 by Professor Newton and 
Mr. W olley, is identified as being almost unquestionably a Sanderling’s. 
The nest Captain Peilden found “ was placed on a gravel ridge, at an altitude of several hundred feet above the 
sea ; and the eggs were deposited in a slight depression in the centre of a recumbent plant of arctic willow, the lining 
of the nest consisting of a few withered leaves and some of the last year’s catkins.” “ The eggs,” writes Mr. Dresser, 
“ may best be described by comparing them to miniature Curlew’s eggs of a pale colour. In size they are about equal 
to those of the Wood-Sandpiper.” 
Page 900. — Strepsilas interpres. Two specimens shot on the coast of Wales in full breeding-plumage, on the 27th 
May, demonstrate the superior size of the female; the measurements are as follows : — <$ , wing 5-9 inches ; 5 > wing 6-1. 
Page 934. — Charadrius fulvus. With reference to Layard’s statement, in the ‘Ibis,’ 1879, that this Plover breeds 
in New Caledonia, and to which I refer at page 936, he writes me recently that there is no question about the matter, 
and that had his son known that the species had not hitherto been found breeding south of the equator, he would have 
shot specimens of old and young. While on the island referred to (Ansevata) the birds were several times close to him, 
so that he could not be mistaken in his identification. 
In Mr. Parker’s last letter is contained a very interesting announcement concerning this species, namely that 
Mr. Goonewardene, Assist.-Sup. of Tanks in the N.W. Province, had sent him a Golden Plover’s egg, taken out of a 
bird shot in April. It is difficult to believe that this example would not have bred in low latitudes. Some of the eggs 
brought to Swinhoe in Formosa may, after all, have been those of this species. 
Page 1059. — Podiceps fluviatilis. Mr. Parker writes me that this species is common in the N.E. Province and 
N. Province. 
Page 1066. — Nettapus coromanclelianus. According to the same authority, the Goose-Teal is common in the Northern 
Province. 
Page 1070. — Tadorna casarca. This Sheldrake can no longer be relegated to the doubtful or unprocured species in 
the Ceylon lists. Mr. G. Simpson, of the Indian Telegraph Department, has lately sent a portion of the skin of a male 
shot by him in the Jaffna district to Mr. Parker for identification. He likewise furnishes a description of the bird, which 
has been forwarded to me, and there is no doubt about the matter. The wing of the example in question measures 
14-75 inches. Mr. Simpson says that they are not uncommon in the cool season on the Jaffna lake, near Pooneryn, and 
on the Delft, Palverainkadoo and Mullaittivu lagoons. They are, he finds, very wary, flying high when disturbed, and 
uttering a note like conk, conk. 
Page 1073. — Anas poecilorhyncha. Mr. Simpson has met with this species on the Palverainkadoo lagoon. He 
likewise is of opinion that he has seen the Mallard in the same locality. I recommend the procuring of this latter 
species to collectors in Ceylon, so that the doubt may be cleared up. 
Page 1092. — Phcenicopterus roseus. Mr. Simpson sends w-ord through Mr. Parker of a large flock of Flamingoes 
having been met with by Mr. Clarke, of the Forest Conservancy Department, on the Jaffna Lake, during June of this 
year. This interesting record of the occurrence of the species in the island during the S.W. monsoon shows that it is 
partly resident there. The same gentleman informs me that he has only met with it on the N.W. coast between the months 
of November and April. 
