SANDPIPERS AND PURRES. 
151 
another, by shades so slight and variable, that it is 
almost impossible to trace any positive line of dis- 
tinction. They comprise, under the scientific names 
of Tringa, Charadrius, Numenius, and Scolopax, the 
tribes of birds known under the more familiar appel- 
lations of Sandpipers, Purres, Plovers, Phalaropes, 
Curlews, Woodcocks, &c. 
Amongst the Sandpipers and Purres, we find 
those busy, active flocks of little birds, which so often 
enliven a sauntering walk along the rocks and shores 
of the ever ebbing and flowing sea. There they may 
be seen, now running incessantly with a light trip- 
ping motion, up and down, and here and there, in 
search of shrimps, sea-worms, or small shell-fish, — 
and then, particularly if approached too near, taking 
flight at the same instant, with a whirring, whizzing 
sound, and a loudish whistling cry, reminding us, by 
their sudden changes in flight, and shades of colour, 
of our friends the Starlings ; at one moment, appear- 
ing as a little dark cloud, if their backs are pre- 
sented, and then, in an instant, almost dazzling the 
eye with the bright white of their under delicate 
plumage, occasioned by an instantaneous turn of 
their bodies; and, then again, seeming almost to 
disappear, as they dart along with their wings edge- 
ways towards the eye. It is impossible to watch a 
flight of these merry, sociable little birds, without 
pronouncing them to be a happy race, with all the 
enjoyments, and few of the cares of life. The skulk- 
ing, solitary gunner, who prowls about the shore, 
appears to be their only enemy; and, conscious of 
their power of keeping aloof, they seem to treat him 
with indifference. 
