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SPECIES 6. TRINGd aLPINd.
             RED-BACKED SANDPIPER.
                   [Plate LVI. -Fig. 2.
Dunlin, .Lrct. Zool. pi. 4,76, jQVo. 391.-BEVwIcI4, LI, p. ] 13.-Lit
   Brunnette, BUFF. Vii, 493.-PEALE'S .1Iuseunt, .No. 4094.*
   THIS bird inhabits both the old and new continents, being
known in England by the name of the Dunlin; and in the United
States, along the shores of New Jersey, by that of the Red-back.
Its residence here is but transient, chiefly in April and May,
while passing to the arctic regions to breed; and in September
and October, when on its return southward to winter quarters.
During their stay they seldom collect in separate flocks by them-
selves; but mix with various other species of strand-birds, among
whom they are rendered conspicuous by the red colour of the
upper part of their plumage. They frequent the muddy flats,
and shores of the salt marshes, at low water, feeding on small
worms and other insects which generally abound in such places.
In the month of May they are extremely fat.
  This bird is said to inhabit Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia,
the Alps of Siberia; and in its migrations the coasts of the Cas-
pian sea.t It has not, till now, been recognized by naturalists as
inhabiting this part of North America. Wherever its breeding
place may be, it probably begins to lay at a late period of the
season, as in numbers of females which I examined on the first
of June, the eggs were no larger than grains of mustard seed.
  Length of the Red-back eight inches and a half, extent fifteen
inches; bill black, longer than the head, (which would seem to
rank it with the Snipes) slightly bent, grooved on the upper
   Thinga alpinla, LATH. bled Orn. 736, No, 37--Le (incle, BUFF. P1. Enl.
852.
   Pennant,