observed in the Ionian Islands, S^c. 345 



185. Redshank. {Tot anus calidris.) 



A great deal too common, for the reasons mentioned above, 

 in winter and early spring, in Corfu and Epirus. 



186. Curlew. {Numenius arquatus.) 



Very abundant from October till April ; a few may be occa- 

 sionally observed at all seasons. I have several times seen Cur- 

 lews at Corfu, exactly like the common species in plumage, 

 weight, and all other respects, except the bill, which was from 

 half an inch to two inches longer than usual. As far as I 

 could ascertain, this difference had no reference to sex or age ; 

 the long-bills and short-bills flocked together, and had pre- 

 cisely the same habits. I never observed this difference in any 

 other part of the world, though the Curlew has always been a 

 favourite object of pursuit with me, and a great many have con- 

 sequently passed through my hands. 



187. Whimbbel. {Numenius phaopus.) 



Occurs sparingly in April and September in Corfu and Epirus. 



188. Slender-billed Curlew. {Numenius tenuirostris.) 

 Two specimens only of this bird came under my observation 



at Corfu ; both were killed on the race-course in September 

 1857. I obtained a good specimen at Nice in the winter of 

 1858. 



189. AvocET. {Recurvirostra avocetta.) 



I was shown a specimen of this bird in December 1856, which 

 had been killed a few days previously at Butrinto, and I once 

 or twice heard of others, but never saw one alive myself in these 

 parts. 



190. Black-winged Stilt. {Himantopus melanopterus.) 

 Common on the shores of Corfu and Epirus in March, April, 



and May ; generally to be seen in small flocks, standing mid-leg 

 in water, and snapping at the midges and other small insects. 

 This species breeds in great numbers in the marshes of Dalma- 

 tia, in the neighbourhood of Spalatro. 



191. Purple Heron. {Ardea purpurea.) 



Common in April and May, and I believe breeds in Epirus, as 

 young birds are often to be seen in July and August. 



2 B 2 



