The Marbled God wit 
Sanderlings in their winter range occur chiefly in small flocks number¬ 
ing from a dozen to forty individuals. Larger flocks, sometimes numbering 
hundreds, are, however, characteristic of the migrations. Sanderlings are 
rather independent in their associations, being at all times self-reliant 
and ready to back their own judgment. They are on good terms with the 
Black-bellied Plovers (Squatarola squatarola), and will tolerate Western 
and Red-backed Sandpipers, though they do not seek such companionship. 
The Sanderling is the most widely and thoroughly distributed of all 
Shore-birds (save, possibly, the Turnstone, of which, however, two races are 
distinguishable, Arenaria interpres interpres and A. i. niorinella), and it is 
not known to present any geographical variations. It breeds in the high 
Arctic regions, being among those found farthest north; and it winters on 
all continental, ice-free shores, save those of Australia. In migrations 
it occurs freely on inland waters, but it probably does not winter beyond the 
reach of the tide. It was formerly, probably erroneously, accounted rare 
along the Pacific Coast, where it is now recognized as common, but it is 
altogether probable that East Pacific migrants hail from breeding grounds 
which lie a little east of north. 
Taken near Santa Barbara Photo by the Author 
“FLIGHT CAN BE AS INSTANT” 
No. 244 
Marbled Godwit 
A. 0 . U. No. 249. Limosa fedoa (Linnaeus). 
Synonyms. —Brown Marlin. Common Marlin. Spike-billed Curlew. 
Description. — Adult: General color pale cinnamon or ochraceous-buff; the 
head and neck all around streaked and spotted with brownish dusky; the back, etc., 
1258 
