THE STILT BIRD. 2905 
mud or in marshes and swamps, in which they bore with their long 
beaks for insects, larvee, and small molluscs, dainties to which they 
are very partial. 
They are dull, shy birds, leading a solitary life, except at the 
breeding season. At that period they assemble in great numbers, 
build their nests in the marshes, on little hillocks, close to one 
Fig. r10.—Stilt Bird, 
another, grass being the principal material employed. They lay 
four greenish-coloured eggs, with ash-coloured spots. The male bird 
watches while the females are sitting; and, at the slightest alarm, 
he raises a cry which startles the flock. The whole colony may 
then be seen on the wing, waiting for the danger to pass before 
settling down. 
_ Stilt Birds are uncommon in Western Europe ; they are prin- 
cipally to be met with in the Russian and Hungarian marshes. 
