OF NORTH AMERICA. 83 
the under side yellowish, and very long, much 
curved downward. This is a distinguishing 
feature of the bird, often measuring 6 or 8 
inches in length. Legs bluish. Weight 
averages about 30 ozs. 
This is one of the largest game birds which 
visit our shores, and is accordingly much 
prized by sportsmen, although asa table bird 
MS 
it is far inferior to the Plovers. They will 
stand a heavy dose of lead without coming 
down, and as they fly high, are not always 
captured when seen. 
When they were more common, they were 
easily “ whistled’ down, but they have be- 
come rare on our shores, although not un- 
common in the Southern States in winter. 
They feed on the flat sand-bars upon crabs 
and other small crustaceans, which impart to 
their flesh something of their characteristic 
flavor. 
