Knot. A coastal wader which is quite stocky and with a short neck, beak and legs.
Sanderling. A plump, active coastal wader which rushes up and down as the waves come and go.
Dunlin (US: red-backed sandpiper). A small coastal wader which in summer has a distinctive black patch on its breast.
Purple sandpiper. Half way in size between a knot and a dunlin, this is another coastal wader which lurks in the rocks.
Red mullet, surmullet. Sea woodcock. A high quality fish of a different family from the other (grey) mullets, and which has a far better flavour and lean, firm flesh. Its liver is highly prized. Do not confuse it with gurnard, which has a slightly paler colour. This fish may vary from pinkish-reddish crimson to rosy pink in colour with golden streaks and two long barbels on the chin.There is another smaller variety, Mullus barbatus, but this, Mullus surmuletus, is the most prized variety.
"Woodcock of the sea." Trumpet fish. A large marine fish. It is also a name for red mullet.
Woodcock roasted rare, the breast removed and coated with French mustard. It is served with a sauce of cooking juices deglazed with brandy and game stock.
Jointed woodcock is browned and the pan deglazed with Armagnac and stock. The chopped intestines are used to enrich the sauce and cayenne pepper is added.
