GRALL^. 51 



HiEMATOPUS. L. 



Bill, longer than the head, rather concave upwards, much compressed at the tip ; first 

 quill the longest ; tarsi, longer than the middle toe. 

 The whole world. 



65. Hsematopus longirostris. Vieill. 



Pied Oystee-catchee. Eed-bill. Toeea. 

 Above, greenish-black ; below, and over the tail, white ; bill and legs, crimson. 

 L., 19-5; W., 11; B., 3-78; T., 2. 



'Egg. — Pale yellow-brown, spotted and blotched with brownish-black ; length, 2"25 ; 

 breadth, 1-6. 



Sab. — Both Islands ; Australia, New Gruinea, India, China. 



" Like its European prototype, it subsists on small moUusks and 

 crustaceans, for securing which its long wedge-shaped mandibles are 

 peculiarly adapted. Notwithstanding its ungainly form, the strongly- 

 contrasted black and white of its plumage and the bright red of its 

 bill and feet render it an attractive object on the smooth sandy beach, 

 where it may be observed sedately reposing on one leg, or nimbly 

 running to and fro in search of its prey left exposed on the beach by 

 the receding tide. During the nuptial season, it is curious to watch 

 the male bird paying his addresses to the mate of his choice ; 

 elevating his back and lowering his bill till it nearly touches the 

 ground, he struts or runs round her with a loud quivering note, no 

 doubt expressive of his undying attachment; and, when there are two 

 rival males thus performing in concentric circles before the same 

 shrine of devotion, it is amusing to observe with what perfect indif- 

 ference the object of this demonstration appears to receive the atten- 

 tions of her rival suitors. When once, however, her affections are 

 secured, she appears to remain faithful to her mate, and the pair 

 continue together, if not for life, certainly long after the breeding- 

 season, with all its cares, has passed by. Even when consorting 

 together, as they frequently do, in small flocks, each pair seems to 

 maintain its individuality ; and when at rest on the sands the party 

 may be seen disposed in couples, at short distances apart from the 

 rest." — BuLLER. 



66. Hsematopus unicolor. Forst. 



Black Oystee-catchee. Eed-bill. Toeea. 

 Greenish-black ; bill and legs, crimson. 

 L., 18-5 ; W., 10-5 ; B., 45 ; T., 3. 



Kab. — Both Islands. 



"This species, although far more abundant in New Zealand than 

 the Pied Oyster-catcher, appears to have a more confined range, for it 

 has never yet been recorded elsewhere. Its habits are the same, with 

 the exception that it is less gregarious, being met with generally 

 either singly or in pairs ; and its eggs are quite undistinguishable 

 from those of the former species." — Buller. 

 4* 



