68 
TRINGA RUFA. 
in October they were abundant. How far to the south- 
ward they extend their migrations, we have no facts 
that will enable us to ascertain, though it is probable 
that the shores of the West India islands afford them 
shelter and resources during our winter. 
220 . TRINGA RUFA , WILSON. RED-BREASTED SANDPIPER. 
WILSON, PLATE LVII. FIG. V. * — EDINBURGH COLLEGE MUSEUM. 
Of this prettily marked species I can find no des- 
cription. The Tringa Icelandica , or Aberdeen sand- 
piper of Pennant and others, is the only species that 
has any resemblance to it ; the descriptions of that bird, 
however, will not apply to the present. 
The common name of this species on our sea coast is 
the gray-back, and among the gunners it is a particular 
favourite, being generally a plump, tender, and excellent 
bird for the table ; and, consequently, brings a good 
price in market. 
The gray-backs do not breed on the shores of the 
Middle States. Their first appearance is early in May. 
They remain a few weeks, and again disappear until 
October. They usually keep in small flocks, alight in 
a close body together on the sand flats, where they 
search for the small bivalve shells already described. 
On the approach of the sportsman, they frequently 
stand fixed and silent for some time ; do not appear to 
be easily alarmed, neither do they run about in the 
water as much as some others, or with the same rapidity, 
but appear more tranquil and deliberate. In the month 
of November, they retire to the south. 
This species is ten inches long, and twenty in extent ; 
the bill is black, and about an inch and a half long; 
the chin, eyebrows, and whole breast, are a pale brownish 
orange colour ; crown, hindhead from the upper man- 
dible backwards, and neck, dull white, streaked with 
black ; back, a pale slaty olive, the feathers tipt with 
Is Tringa Icelandica , Linnseus, in its summer dress. 
