WHIMBREL CURLEW. 255 



wing from flexure 9f ; tail 4; bill along the ridge 3-^-; 

 along the edge of lower mandible 3-^ ; tarsus 2^- ; middle 

 toe 1-j^ ; its claw -^j. 



Female. — The female, which is larger, resembles the 

 male in colour. 



Length to end of tail 19£ ; extent of wings 33^ ; bill 

 along the ridge 3f , along the edge of lower mandible 3f . 



The above descriptions are taken from fresh specimens ; 

 one of them, the female, shot by myself in the Island of 

 Harris, on the 9th of May, 1818, and minutely described at 

 the time. 



Habits. — In the beginning of May, a few individuals of 

 this species make their appearance here and there on the 

 sandy pastures bordering the west coast of the long range of 

 the outer Hebrides, from one end to the other. Their num- 

 bers daily increase, until in about a week they are in many 

 places very abundant. At first they are not in the least shy, 

 and may easily be shot ; but in a short time they become 

 almost as wary as the Common Curlew. They keep by 

 themselves in flocks of from three or four to twenty, not 

 associating even with the Curlews which also frequent the 

 pastures, search exclusively the sandy pasture grounds, show- 

 ing no preference for wet places, and never betaking them- 

 selves to the fords or pools, although occasionally they may 

 be seen in damp places. Their food consists of Bulimus 

 acutus and Helix ericetorum, which are very abundant there. 

 They walk for the most part sedately, but sometimes with 

 alacrity, having their neck bent forward, and their regards 

 fixed on the ground. If alarmed, they stand, elevate their 

 heads, emit a shrill tremulous cry, and perhaps fly off, or 

 presently resume their search. If surprised they are clamor- 

 ous in their flight, but usually alight at no great distance, 

 unless shot at. When on wing they display the white part 

 of the back conspicuously, and have a beautiful appearance. 

 Their flight is similar to that of the Curlew, but quicker. 

 They remain about four weeks, the 26th of May being the 

 latest date in my Journal of 1818, and thus have obtained 



