THE LAPWI/NGS. 347 
The Cream-coloured Coursers (Cursorius Gallicus, Fig. 139) have 
slender and pointed bills, slightly bent at the end; long tarsi; no 
back toe; wings much pointed; its plumage is of a dove colour, and 
it is about eighteen inches in height. As its name implies, it runs 
with surprising rapidity. It is a native of Asia and the north of 
Africa, and only casually makes its appearance in Europe. Nothing 
is known of its habits. 
The Lapwings ( Vaned/us) have the bill enlarged on the upper side, 
two-thirds of its length being filled up by the nasal channels; its 
Fig. 139.—Cream-coloured Coursers. 
back toe is excessively short, and wings pointed. When flying, they 
make a noise which is not unlike that of corn falling back on the 
winnowing-fan ; hence their French name vanneau. 
_ These Birds are essentially migratory, and come down from the 
high northern latitudes in large flocks in the beginning of autumn, 
again returning thither in spring. They frequent marshes and the 
margins of lakes; in fact, all moist soft districts which abound in 
earth-worms, insects, slugs, &c. They may often be seen settling 
down on fields recently ploughed, if they can there find an ample 
supply of worms. They are in the habit of employing a rather in- 
§ehious process to make their victims emerge from the earth. They 
stnke the ground with their feet, and thus give the surface a slight 
