THE CURLEW. 321 
of this bird are known—the Black-tailed Godwit (Zzmosa egocephaia, 
Fig. 124) and the Barred-tailed Godwit (Zimosa rufa). 
The Curlew (Vumenius, Fig. 125), is remarkable for the immo. 
derate length of its bill, which is slender, curved, and round from end 
to end. Its wings are medium-sized, and tail short. Its plumage is 
a mixture of grey, russet, brown, and white. It derives its name from 
the plaintive melancholy cry which it utters when it takes flight. 
These Birds frequent the sea-coast and the vicinity of marshes 
Tig. 125.—Curlew. 
feeding on worms, water insects, and small molluscs, They plunge 
their bills into the ground, to a small portion of which they communi- 
cate a vibratory movement; the worms, disturbed in their subter- 
ranean dwellings, come up to the surface, and are easily preyed upon. 
The gait of the Curlews, generally speaking, is grave and mea- 
sured; but if disturbed previous to taking wing, they run with 
astonishing rapidity. ‘They are capable of prolonged flight, but do 
not generally venture far into the interior of the country.* They 
live together in numerous flocks, except during their breeding-time, 
-when they isolate themselves in order to build their nests, which 
* At certain seasons of the year they are to be found in great numbers in the 
interior of North America.—ED, 
M 
