The Curlew Sandpiper — Tringa Subarquata (Güldenstädt)
This bird arrives on our shores from the middle of August onwards, leaving us again in October, and a few are met with on the return journey in May. Although by no means as numerous as many other shore-frequenting migrants, it is not uncommon on certain parts of the coast, especially on the east and south, but is much rarer in the west. It may be recognised by its white rump and by the partially decurved bill, to which it owes its trivial name.
There is nothing to specially distinguish it in habits from the other species of Waders, and it will generally be found associating with Dunlins.
The breeding-grounds are in Arctic Siberia east of the Yenesei, and it winters in the tropical regions of the Old World.
In autumn the adult is brownish grey on the upper parts, white on the rump and under parts. The young birds may be recognised by the light margins to the feathers of the back and a buffish tint on the chest. In the spring plumage the upper parts are chestnut, streaked with black and grey. The under parts are chestnut, sometimes barred or spotted with brown, the feathers having white margins. Length 8 in.; bill 1·4 in.; wing 5·1 in.