Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 1 (1843).djvu/169

Rh Pectoral Sandpiper.—The first is the pectoral sandpiper, or more properly speaking, perhaps, Tringa (Tringa pectoralis), which is an American species. A figure of this bird is given in Eyton's Rarer British Birds. The present, I believe, is the only instance of its capture in Cornwall, and the second authenticated instance of its occurrence in Britain. The specimen here alluded to was killed on the beach of Annet, one of the Isles of Scilly, and is now in the valuable collection of David Michell, Esq., of this town. A correct coloured drawing of the individual was submitted to Mr. Yarrell, and he coincided with the opinion which we had formed of its being Tringa pectoralis. I examined minutely the specimen after it was preserved, and on comparing it with specimens of the common dunlin (Tringa variabilis) in summer plumage, I observed that the general aspect of the bird, as well as the colours on the back and upper parts, were very similar to those of that species. The total absence of the black on the belly, which, at this season, is more or less developed in the dunlin, shows a striking difference; and on further examination, I found some minor variations in form and dimensions, which indicated unequivocal marks of distinction.

Basal part of the bill yellowish green. Tarsi the same.

The shape of Tringa pectoralis is longer and narrower, and appears more compressed and rail-shaped than that of Tringa variabilis. In its mode of flight and character on the ground, it bore great resemblance to the common sandpiper; and taking into consideration its greater length of tail, the length of the tibiae and shape of the bill, which is more slender and compressed at the base than in the dunlin, it appears to me that there are affinities observable in this species to both the Tringæ and Totani, which are calculated to show, in a gradual and beautiful point of view, the intermediate link in the chain of Nature which unites the two families.