CATALOGUE OF BIBDS. 41 



woods where they nested were at a distance of nearly 

 two miles. 



The young birds have a particularly sad and plaintive 

 whistle (something resembling a deep-drawn sigh), when 

 calhng for their food. Where there are several broods 

 in the same plantation, the effect of their wailing cries is 

 anything but lively, when listened to on a still night in 

 the gloomy depths of the pine woods; the mournful 

 notes breaking out first on one side, then on another, 

 and finally being answered from all quarters at once. 



This species occasionally preys upon young birds. 

 I one evening noticed a Long-Eared Owl making 

 several visits to a boat- shed on one of the broads in 

 Norfolk, and on examining the place the next morning, 

 I discovered that a brood of young Swallows had disap- 

 peared during the night. 



The specimens in the case were obtained in the 

 neighbourhood of Norwich, in June, 1871. 



CURLEW. 



Case 50. 



During the summer months these birds resort to the 

 hills and moors, where, in company with the Red 

 Grouse and Golden Plover, they rear their broods. In 

 the autumn they may be found in flocks, sometimes 

 feeding on the coast, and occasionally on the stubbles 

 and turnip fields. On the approach of winter they 

 generally take up their quarters on the mudbanks in 

 some tidal harbour, or on any extensive flats along the 

 coast, where they are free from persecution. If not 

 frequently disturbed, they are by no means shy, but 

 after a few shots they become one of the most wary of 



