GRALLATORES. . SCOLOPACIDÆ.
T H E BROAD-BILLED SA N D P IP E R .
Tringa plutyrhyncha, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Gould, Birds of. Europe, pt, xvir.
„ „ Bécasseau platyrhinque, Temm. Man. d’Orpith. vol*i|» p.
616.
V> • I H B H • „ ' - 1 vol. iv. p.'403. *
T h e flatness and breadth of the beak in this species: has
suggested the names by which it is distinguished, and one
example of this rare Sandpiper having been killed in Norfolk,
and recorded by the late Mr. F. D. Hoy, in the tenth
volume of the Magazine of Natural History, the bird is entitled
to a place in this work, and I quote Mr. Hoy’s original
notice.
“ The Flat-billed Sandpiper Tringa platyrhyncha, and
Bécasseau platyrhinque of M. Temminck’s Manual, was shot
on the 25th of May 1886, on the muddy flats of Breydori
Broad. It was in company with some Dunlins and Ring-
plovers. From the season of the year, it had probably ac-
BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER. 639
quired its summer plumage ; and it very closely agrees with
the description of the nuptial garb of the species as given by
M. Temminck. This bird is rather inferior in size to the
Dunlin, but may be always readily distinguished from that
species by the peculiar form of the bill, as well as consider--
able difference in plumage. This specimen was preserved by
a friend of mine, who did not. notice the sex. I t is probable
that this Sandpiper may occasionally be found on our eastern
coasts during the time of its periodical flight's, but, from its
similarity to one or two closely allied species, has hitherto
escaped detection.”
Although- this species has been obtained, but very rarely,
in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Scandinavia, as
a reference to the works of Savi, Schinz, Brehm, Vieillot,
and Nilsson will prove, yet little or nothing of its habit® are
known.
This subject, however, in its most interesting particulars,
those referring to the breeding-season, has now been com-*
pletely worked out by Richard Dann, Esq., who, during his
recent visits^ to Norway and Lapland, having ascertained the
breeding grounds of this species, has succeeded in obtaining
the old birds in -their breeding plumage, their eggs, and a
young bird when just able to fly. Mr. Dann has most
liberally presented me' with the eggs, thé; young bird,, and
an old one. I am moreover indebted to his kindness for a
long'series of notes for my use in this work, of the localities
frequented during the breeding season, by a very large proportion
of those birds which only visit this country for the
winter. Mr. Dann’s natne, as well as information obtained
from him, has already, appeared, on many occasions, in this
history, and his notes in reference to thé Broad-billed Sand-*
piper are to the following effect.
This Sandpiper is by no means uncommon during the
breeding season in Lulea, and Tornea Lapmark, frequenting