THE AVOCET. 



ill 



up the run, scooping alternately left aiul right, with ease, with ctlect, and even with a grace 

 almost unparalleled in the action of birds. It is indeed one of the most beautiful instances 

 of animal mechanics that can possibly be imagined, and the motions arc so performed as 

 that they can all be secu." 



Worms, aquatic insects, and some crustaceous animals, yield the food for which the 

 avocet searches diligently on soft sand or mud, and sometimes wades in the waters. It is 

 stated that the peculiar marks in the sand, arising from the singular form of the beak, 

 while the bird is in pursuit of its prey, may be obserred. The character of the beak, and 

 the stooping action of the bird, have led to the provincial names it has received of " the 

 Scooper," and " the Cobbler's-awl Duck." 



