TENTATORES. PROBERS. 57 



Birds of this order occur in all countries. They frequent 

 marshes, the margins of lakes and rivers, and the shores of 

 the sea. Their food consists essentially of worms, and small 

 testaceous mollusca, as well as insects of various kinds, and 

 along with it a quantity of sand is usually found in the 

 stomach, which is a true gizzard, adapted for bruising. The 

 refuse is not disgorged, but passes in a comminuted state 

 through the intestine. Generally speaking, they run with 

 extreme celerity, those which frequent the shores of the sea 

 following the retiring wave, and retreating as the next 

 advances. Very many of them have an almost continued 

 vibrating motion of the body. On being alarmed, they run 

 a short way and take to flight ; but some of the shorter- 

 legged species, on apprehending danger, lie close to the 

 ground. They all wade in the water, and for the most part 

 procure their food by thrusting their bills into the soft mud 

 or sand, the extremities of the bill, from the size of the 

 nerves distributed to them, and the delicate skin which 

 covers it, being probably very sensitive. The flight of all 

 the species is rapid, and protracted. They frequently in 

 flying incline the body to either side, the individuals of a 

 whole flock acting thus in concert. Their cries are loud, 

 shrill, and generally reiterated. Most of them are gregarious 

 in various degrees, and migratory, advancing in flocks toward 

 warmer regions as the cold increases. The larger species 

 are extremely shy, vigilant, and, on being alarmed, clamorous ; 

 but the smaller, when feeding, being intent on their occu- 

 pation, often allow a near approach. They nestle on the 

 ground, in marshy places, forming a slight nest in a hollow, 

 and laying four pyriform, spotted eggs, of which the smaller 

 ends are placed together. The young, at first densely clothed 

 with down, are able to run about soon after birth, and con- 

 ceal themselves by lying flat. When the nest or young are 

 approached, the parents fly about in great agitation, uttering 

 shrill cries, or feign lameness to draw off the intruder. The 

 females are frequently larger than the males ; the colours of 

 the plumage in many change with the renewal of the feathers 

 twice in the year ; their flesh is generally juicy, and forms 

 an agreeable article of food. 



