HiEMATOPUS. 



Genus H^MATOPUS. 



The genus Hcematopus was recognized by Linnseus in 1766 in the 12th 

 edition of his ' Systema Naturae/ i. p. 257. The Common Oyster-catcher 

 {H. ostralegus) was the only species known to the great Swedish naturalist, 

 and is therefore the type. 



The Oyster-catcliers belong to the group of genera in this family in which 

 the tarsus is reticulated throughout with small hexagonal scales. From the 

 Avocets they may be distinguished by not possessing a hind toe or webbed 

 feet ; from the Stilt-Plovers by having the tarsus shorter than the culmen ; 

 and from both these groups, as well as from the true Plovers, by the 

 peculiar shape of the bill. 



There are nine species of Oyster-catchers, which are distributed almost 

 throughout the world, but only one is found in Europe, and is a resident 

 in the British Islands. 



The Oyster-catchers chiefly frequent the sea-coasts, but sometimes 

 inhabit the margins of rivers and large inland sheets of water. They are 

 very wary birds, feeding in small parties or flocks, and generally taking 

 wing the moment they are alarmed. Their flight is very powerful and 

 often long-sustained. They run and walk with great ease along the margin 

 of the water in search of food, and are able to swim. Their note is a loud 

 shrill whistle or pipe. Their food consists of mollusks, sand-worms, and 

 other small marine animals. They breed close to the water, and their 

 nests, in some cases placed only just above high- water mark, are mere 

 hoUows scraped in the sand or shingle. Their eggs are three or four in 

 number, buff", blotched, spotted, and streaked with brownish black and 

 grey. 



B 3 



