length as the head, or a little longer, and slightly depressed at its tip;
the high slender feet are bare, and furnished with four toes: of these the
three placed in front are connected by a skin; the hind toe is short and
much raised. The moderate-sized pointed wing has the first quill longer
than the rest, and the short tail is slightly rounded; the plumage is
soft and thick. The male bird is about a third larger than his mate, and
has during the spring his face covered with warts, and his neck adorned
with a strange and beautiful collar; both these peculiarities, however,
disappear towards autumn. So varied and changeful is the coloration of
the plumage, that a detailed description is almost impossible. The collar
above alluded to is composed of harsh feathers, about three inches long,
and so wonderfully different in their hues that scarcely two males are
exactly like each other; black and brown, and white feathers of various
shades, spotted, striped, and marked in every conceivable way, appear
indifferently on this part of the plumage. The upper wing is deep brownish
grey, and the blackish grey tail is spotted with black; the belly is
white, and the rest of the body very variously coloured and marked. It
has, we believe, been ascertained that each male exhibits the same hues
and markings every succeeding year. The eye is brown, the beak generally
greenish or greenish yellow, and the foot reddish yellow. This species is
from eleven inches to twelve inches and a half long, and from twenty-three
inches and a half to twenty-four inches across; the wing measures from
seven inches to seven inches and a half, and the tail about three inches.
The plumage of the female, which does not vary as does that of her mate,
is principally reddish grey, darkly spotted upon the upper portions of
the body. The face and brow are light grey, the crown is grey, striped
with brownish black; the nape-feathers are grey, those on the back and
shoulders blackish brown, edged with rust-red. The throat and gullet are
grey, and the belly-feathers of a whitish hue. The female is ten inches
long, and twenty-one inches and a half broad.
[Illustration: THE RUFF (_Philomachus pugnax_). MALE IN FULL PLUMAGE.]
[Illustration: RUFFS FIGHTING.]
The Ruffs were originally natives of the northern portion of the Eastern
Hemisphere, but are now occasionally met with in North America. During
their migrations they not only visit every country of Europe and Asia, but
the entire African continent, usually taking up their abode on extensive
bogs or marshy plains, and frequently appearing in the immediate
neighbourhood of the sea, where they often mingle with the busy hosts
that are ever ready to seize upon the rich and varied store of food left
behind by the receding tide. Naumann asserts, however, that this species
never remains near or ventures into the water, but after joining in the
busy scene for a short time, always returns to its usual haunts. Unlike
other Sandpipers, these birds are met with far inland, where they not
only dwell upon the banks of rivers, but wander into the plains and
cultivated districts. In Central Europe they usually arrive in flocks,
about May, and begin to leave about July and August, travelling by night,
and pursuing their course in long lines that sometimes assume a wedge-like
arrangement, the males journeying apart from the females. The extensive
parties seen by us in the Soudan consisted almost exclusively of females,
from which fact we concluded that the males do not often migrate so far
south as Africa. The females are the first to seek and the last to leave
the winter quarters, and yet strange to say, they generally return to
their last summer's abode in company with their former mates. Before and
after the breeding season, male and female are scarcely distinguishable,
either in appearance or demeanour; but during that period the former
exhibit an excitement that is quite without a parallel. Water insects,
beetles, and worms, with seeds of many kinds, afford them the means
of subsistence, and for these they seek principally at early morning
or evening, visiting certain spots with great regularity, and keeping
strictly within a limited hunting ground. Whilst thus engaged they move
leisurely, and with conscious dignity, keeping steadily and quietly at
work, and only betraying their presence by a weak hoarse cry, as they
rise with light and hovering wing into the air. At the approach of night
they become somewhat more lively, and indulge in sportive flights in
company with their feathered brethren. No sooner, however, has the
period of incubation set in than the pacific disposition of these birds
appears to undergo a complete change, and the males commence a series
of fierce encounters, arising not merely from a feeling of rivalry or
jealousy, but respecting such trifles as the possession of a worm or the
choice of a resting-place. Whether in their native haunts or confined in
a cage, and whether females be concerned in the matter or not, the same
restless desire to attack and injure each other takes possession of the
male birds, who, in their wild state, carry on their battles in regular
fighting-grounds, employed year after year for the same purpose. Moist and
rather elevated spots are usually preferred, and to these a certain number
of combatants resort daily, each as a rule having his own peculiar place,
whereon to take his stand till an enemy appears. Naumann states that
until the collar of the males has attained its full beauty they are not
privileged to appear in the lists. No sooner has a willing adversary come
forward, than the excited couple rush upon each other, and struggle on
till one or both are exhausted, when they pause and return to their former
standing-places, to recover strength and breath for a second encounter.
These strange battles are strictly duels, although from the fact of two or
three couples engaging at the same time, and that often in such a limited
space as to compel them to attack across each other, an ordinary spectator
would often imagine that he was witnessing a general mêlée, instead of
the entirely distinct settlement of individual wrongs and grievances. A
more ridiculous sight could scarcely be imagined than the appearance of
the furious combatants, as they stand ruffling and swelling out their
plumage, with collar and breast feathers erect, literally trembling with
rage, and darting backwards and forwards towards their adversary; rapidly
ducking their wart-covered heads, and keeping the hinder part of the
body much raised, as they snap and probe the enemy in a very ecstasy of
blind fury. At the conclusion of the fray, the combatants again stand
trembling before each other, shaking themselves, and tossing up their
heads in defiance; after which demonstration, if not too much fatigued,
they resume their standing-places, and again look out for a willing and
equally excited foe. Owing to the soft construction of the bill, serious
injuries never result from these encounters; the loss of a few feathers,
or the chance of being caught and pulled about by the collar, being the
worst evils to which the apparently bloodthirsty duellists are exposed.
Naumann is of opinion that the knobs and excrescences often seen on the
beaks of the birds are attributable to blows or twists received in these
violent affrays. Occasionally a female appears and takes up her post in
the fighting-ground, but never does more than indulge her curiosity, by
mingling with the combatants, and watching their proceedings for a short
space; after which she retires, sometimes accompanied by one of the males,
who, however, almost immediately returns to the field of action, without
further reference to her proceedings. When the period for depositing the
eggs arrives, the males separate, each in company with two females, or
_vice versâ_, and make their nest of dry grass and stubble on some high
point in a marshy locality. The eggs, four, or occasionally only three,
in number, are of unusual size, with a greenish or brownish shell, more
or less faintly spotted with reddish brown or pale black. The mother, who
alone broods and hatches her young in from seventeen to nineteen days,
is much attached to her charge, and in every respect conducts herself
like a female Snipe; whilst her spouse does not concern himself in the
least about the rising generation, but fights incessantly throughout
the whole breeding season, after which he flies about regardless of his
family, until the time comes for seeking his winter quarters. These birds
are only summer visitors to England, appearing in April and taking leave
in autumn; formerly, however, many Ruffs remained throughout the warm
season, to breed in the fenny districts, and were caught in considerable
numbers in Lincolnshire. Since the draining of the fens they have become
comparatively scarce. Some years ago they were regularly procured and
fattened for the table. Montagu tells us that he visited the room at
Spalding where the captives were kept, and that his entrance drove them
from their stands, compelling some to trespass on the premises of others,
and thus producing many battles. "It is," he says, "a remarkable character
of these birds that they feed most greedily the moment they are taken. No
sooner is a basin of bread and milk put before them than it is instantly
contended for; and so pugnacious is their disposition, that they would
starve in the midst of plenty if several dishes of food were not placed
among them at a distance from one another." The capture of these birds was
formerly effected by means of clap-nets, with stuffed birds as decoys,
placed around the hills where they assembled in the spring previous to
incubation, and placed in such a manner as to be movable by means of a
long string, thus producing a jerk resembling the jump so common among the
Ruffs (who, at the sight of a wanderer flying by, will leap or flit a yard
off the ground), and by that means induce those on the wing to alight.
* * * * *
The PHALAROPES (_Phalaropi_) possess a moderate-sized, delicate beak,
which is slightly curved at its tip. In some species the bill is not
broader than it is high, in others it is somewhat flattened in front.
The weak low feet are bare, and furnished with four toes, of which the
three anterior are united at the base, and more or less lobed on the
sides as far as the tips; the hind toe is short, elevated, and margined
slightly by a narrow membrane. The wing is long and pointed, with its
first quill longer than the rest; the short rounded tail is composed of
twelve feathers. In their mode of life these birds differ from all other
members of the feathered creation. Their plumage is thick and closely
set; and the toes being united at the base by a web, besides being
bordered by a continuation of that membrane, make the feet efficient as
paddles, although they are equally adapted for progression on dry land.
The accomplishments of the Phalarope are, therefore, very varied--they fly
rapidly, like the Snipes; run, after the fashion of the Sandpipers; and
swim, not only with all the facility of Ducks, but venture out upon the
surface of the ocean even in the midst of the roughest waves. During the
breeding season they repair to the coast, where they build a neat nest,
composed of grass and weeds, upon the sea-shore, or in some slight hollow
on the ground. The eggs are four in number. The usual habitat of the
Phalaropes is in the Arctic and Northern Seas, from whence they but rarely
wander far, their migrations usually being confined to the surface of the
ocean.
THE HYPERBOREAN PHALAROPE.
The HYPERBOREAN PHALAROPE (_Lobipes hyperboreus_, or _Phalaropus
hyperboreus_) resembles the Sandpipers in some respects, but differs from
them in the comparative shortness of its tail and slenderness of its beak.
Upon the upper portions of the body the feathers are blackish grey, and on
the lower back and shoulders black edged with reddish yellow; the sides
of the nape are rust-red, the throat and under parts grey, shading into
white on the sides and crop. The eye is brown, the beak black, and the
foot lead-grey, with the web and projecting edges yellowish and grey. The
male is from six inches and three-quarters to seven inches long, and from
twelve inches and two-thirds to twelve inches and three-quarters broad;
the wing measures four, and the tail two inches. The female is about a
line longer, and one inch broader than her mate.
These birds inhabit the north-eastern portions of Europe and Northern
Asia, and are numerous upon the extensive lakes and rivers of Siberia and
North America; their range, however, probably does not extend far south,
even during the course of their migrations. With us they frequent the
Orkney Islands, where they arrive about July, and depart again as winter
approaches. In its habits this species is essentially aquatic. It swims
with the utmost buoyancy and ease, though it is not known to dive even
when hard pressed; and, according to Audubon, indulges in the remarkable
habit of alighting whilst at sea, even at a distance of one hundred
miles from shore, on beds of floating seaweed, over which its lobed feet
enable it to run with great lightness and rapidity. Its flight is strong
and swift, but when on the ground its movements are inferior in agility
to those of the _Tringas_. Insects, worms, and minute mollusca form its
principal means of subsistence, these it obtains from among tangled beds
of floating seaweed, or as it moves lightly over the surface of the water.
The call is a sharp clear "tweet, tweet." Audubon mentions having seen
little parties of these birds living in pairs upon the small fresh-water
lakes in Labrador, near which they also breed. The nest, which is usually
made in a hollow in marshes, or on the islands of fresh-water lakes, is
formed principally of grass, and covered with a few bits of hay or moss.
The eggs, from one to four in number, have usually a dark olive-coloured
shell, thickly spotted with black. The young grow rapidly, and are
anxiously tended by their parents, who employ a variety of artifices to
lure strangers from the nest.
THE RED PHALAROPE.
The RED PHALAROPE (_Phalaropus rufus_) represents a group of the above
birds recognisable by their superior length of tail and the construction
of the beak, which is as long as the head, and flat and curved at its
extremity. This species is larger than the _Phalaropus hyperboreus_, being
fully eight inches long, and nearly fourteen broad; the wings measure five
inches, and the tail two inches and three-quarters. Upon the crown, back,
and shoulders, the feathers are black, edged with rust-red; the lower
back, upper wing-covers, and sides of the tail are dark grey; and the
under side is of a beautiful brownish red. The female is jet-black upon
the crown and nape, and exhibits two greyish black stripes which pass
down the sides of the head, the back and shoulder feathers are blueish
grey, darkly shafted, and those on the under parts of the body white,
edged with grey at the sides.
The native haunts of these birds, according to Gould, are the regions
within the Arctic Circle, where they live during summer, migrating as
winter approaches to more temperate climes, and dispersing singly or
in pairs throughout most of the countries of Europe, being especially
numerous in the British Isles. This species is abundant in many parts
of Asia and America. "Although its powers of wing are very great," says
the above writer, "we cannot look for its periodical visits with any
certainty; and the places, moreover, which it selects are sometimes very
extraordinary. For instance, it will continue for weeks, if unmolested,
about a puddle in a farmyard, manifesting a familiar and unsuspecting
disposition, and allowing itself to be approached with freedom. It does
not, however, confine itself to one spot, but after remaining at a certain
place from three to four weeks, suddenly departs; if on the approach of
spring, towards the north, and in autumn towards the south. Every European
country is visited, though at uncertain and often long intervals." The
Red Phalarope swims well, and takes its food in the surface of the water
with the utmost agility and address; indeed it seeks its nourishment
there alone, and whilst thus engaged displays a great variety of graceful
attitudes and manœuvres. Even if closely approached it exhibits no fear,
but quietly continues its search for the aquatic insects and small
thin-skinned crustaceans on which it subsists. Audubon gives the following
account of a large flock of these birds that he met with on the shores of
the Ohio. "They swam beautifully and played lightly about as they picked
up substances floating in the water, dispersed again and again, until at
length coming opposite to a small sand-bar, stretching out from the shore
to the distance of a few yards, they directed their course towards it,
and waded out. When just landing they were so close to each other that I
could not withstand the temptation, and so levelled my gun, pulled both
triggers, and saw that I had made considerable havoc among them. Those
which had not been hit flew in a compact body, while the birds that had
been but slightly wounded made for the water and swam away so fast that
they seemed to be running on the surface." The four eggs laid by this
species have a stone-coloured shell, spotted and speckled with dark brown.
* * * * *
The LONGSHANKS (_Totani_) constitute a group possessing light slender
bodies, moderately long necks, and small heads. The wings are long and
pointed, with the first quill exceeding the rest in length; the short
tail is composed of twelve feathers, and is either graduated, wedge-like,
or rounded at its extremity. The beak is either as long as, or longer
than, the head, and furnished with a pointed tip; this difference in the
construction of the bill enables these birds to seize their food among
gravel or stones on the shores of lakes and rivers, or on the coast,
instead of seeking it by probing soft sand and mud. The foot is variously
formed, being in some instances high and thin, and in others short and
powerful; the toes are three or four in number. The short compact plumage,
which is moulted twice in the year, is of sombre hue; male and female are
almost alike, both in their coloration and size.
These birds principally frequent the northern portions of the globe, and
from thence wander forth into warmer latitudes, where they not only live,
but breed. River-banks, marshes, and the shores of fresh-water lakes,
are their usual haunts; whilst some few occupy the sea-coast, and others
frequent moist woods. During the winter they associate with many varieties
of their feathered brethren, whose society they appear to prefer to that
of their own species. They walk well, fly rapidly and easily, and for the
most part dive with facility, remaining under water for a considerable
time, and coming up at a distance from the place where they went down.
While thus progressing they are supposed to move by the agency of their
wings. Under ordinary circumstances, however, they merely stand while
fishing, keeping only their head and neck below the surface as they
explore the ground beneath. In all the various species the voice is high,
flute-like, and resonant. The food of the _Totani_ consists of insects,
worms, small molluscs, and fishes, and is obtained, not by probing the
earth, a process to which their hard sharp bill is not adapted, but from
the surface of the ground, or from amongst stones and gravel. Shortly
after the snow has melted, these birds commence the duties attendant on
incubation, and resort to their favourite fresh-water marshes or moist
woods for the purpose of breeding. The nest, which is usually situated on
the ground among the grass, is a mere depression, made smooth and neat
within, and lined with grass or any similar materials. In some instances,
however, the Totani build upon low trees, stones, or branches, either
making a small abode for themselves with moss and other vegetable matter,
or using a deserted nest as a repository for their young family. The
large pear-shaped eggs are four in number, and have an olive-green shell,
marked with brownish grey. The female alone broods, whilst her mate busies
himself in anxious endeavours to protect her and her charge by flying
around with troubled cries should they be disturbed. The young can leave
the nest as soon as they quit the shell, and, if alarmed, at once conceal
themselves with much adroitness upon the ground or in the grass. When
fledged they usually fly about to very considerable distances over the
country, until the season arrives for commencing their winter migration.
* * * * *
The TRUE SANDPIPERS (_Actitis_) are small, delicately-formed birds,
with straight, flexible, but hard-tipped beaks; the moderate-sized,
crescent-shaped wing is rather pointed at its extremity; and the long
graduated tail composed of twelve feathers. The soft compact plumage is
peculiar both in its coloration and markings, and varies but little at
different seasons. The females are somewhat smaller than their mates.
THE COMMON SANDPIPER.
The COMMON SANDPIPER (_Actitis hypoleucos_) is of a yellow-brown on the
upper portion of the body, shaded with green and purple, and marked with
black. The feathers on the side of the crop are of a brownish hue, with
shafts and oval spots of a deeper shade. Those on the under side are
white; the primaries are brownish black, delicately bordered with whitish
grey towards the tips, and from the third quill decorated with white
spots, which gradually increase in size as they approach the body. The
lower secondaries are pale blackish brown, with white roots and tips;
the centre tail-feathers brownish grey, shafted with black, and spotted
and edged with reddish yellow; the rest white, more or less striped with
black. The eye is brown; the beak greyish black, with lighter base, and
the foot lead-grey. The length of this species is from seven inches and
three-quarters to eight inches, and from twelve inches and a half to
thirteen inches broad. The wing measures four inches, and the tail two
inches and a half.
The Common Sandpipers are abundantly met with on all the streams, lakes,
and sea-coasts of the northern portions of both hemispheres, and both
live and breed in the temperate latitudes, remaining in the latter from
one year to another, while such as occupy the colder regions wander as
far as Southern Europe and Northern Africa. Great Britain and Ireland are
regularly visited during the summer by these birds, but they do not, we
believe, resort to the Orkney or Shetland Isles. A correspondent, quoted
by Yarrell, who writes from the vicinity of Clitheroe, says, "The Common
Sandpiper breeds with us, and this year I started an old one from her nest
at the root of a fir-tree. She screamed out and rolled about in such a
manner, and seemed so completely disabled, that although perfectly aware
that her intention was to allure me from her nest, I could not resist my
inclination to pursue her, and in consequence I had great difficulty in
finding the nest again. It was built of a few dried leaves of a Weymouth
pine, and contained three young ones just hatched, and an egg through the
shell of which the bill of the young chick was just making its way; yet,
young as they were, on my taking out the egg to examine it, the little
things, which could not have been out of their shells more than an hour
or two, set off out of the nest with as much celerity as if they had been
running about for a fortnight."