SCOLOPACID^. 229 



Mr. Duke, of Lavant, near Cliicliester, which was 

 shot by Mr. Duke, jun., of Earnly, on the marshes 

 in that neighbourhood, November, 1853. 



Family Scolopacid^. 



Common Cuhlew, Nuraenius arquata. Abun- 

 dant during the winter on most parts of the coast. 



Whimbrel, Numenius i^hmopus. Provincial, 

 Titterel. Page 8. Is rarely met with in the 

 winter, but arrives about the time that the cur- 

 lews depart for their northern summer quarters. 

 Small flocks of whimbrels may be noticed during 

 the month of May on the shores of Pevensey Bay, 

 and in similar situations. I have found them 

 between Pagham and Selsey, as late as the 

 middle of June ; but although 1 have dihgently 

 examined the shingle for miles, I never could 

 discover their eggs, or ascertain that others had 

 been more fortunate than myself The whim- 

 brels observed at this period would seem to be 

 the latest arrivals from the southern parts of the 

 continent — probably backward-bred birds of the 

 preceding year — and as they disappear before 

 July, it may be supposed that they follow the 

 example of their predecessors, in halting for a 

 few weeks on the shores of Sussex, preparatory 

 to resuming their journey to the North. 



