ESQUIMAUX CURLEW. 105 



instead of S^ inches or more. The undcrparts^ esj)ecially the under tail- 

 coverts^ are less spotted and the tarsus is longer in the smaller species. 



The Esquimaux Curlew passes through the United States on its way- 

 northwards in immense flocks during May. At the beginning of the 

 month they make their appearance, scattering themselves over the prairies 

 as well as the coast, even when the snow is lying thickly. The return 

 migration from the breeding-grounds in the Arctic tundras commences by 

 the end of July or the beginning of August, and lasts until the end of 

 October. On its return southward it seems to prefer the coasts to the 

 inland districts. It frequents large salt-marshes and mud-flats on its 

 annual journey from the north. It is described as being a very shy bird, 

 and rarely allows any one to approach it closely, unless it is skilfully 

 stalked as it is feeding in company with other Waders. Its flight is per- 

 formed very rapidly, sometimes at a considerable height. If one out of a 

 flock is wounded its companions hover above it, and fly round and round 

 losing their accustomed wariness in their anxiety for its fate. When in 

 the air they do not usually fly in a compact flock, but in a scattered 

 manner. When about to alight their wings are often held motionless and 

 curved downwards, as they sail along for a short distance ere dropping- on 

 the ground. As soon as they alight their long wings are raised over the 

 back and then gracefully folded. Coues describes their note as an oft- 

 repeated soft mellow whistle ; but when they are in large flocks thev keep 

 up an incessant chorus of chattering cries, and when wounded they utter 

 a harsh scream. 



The Esquimaux Curlew seems much attached to its feeding- orounds 

 although it may be often disturbed; and Coues relates an instance of a 

 flock of birds that, in spite of continued firing, could not be driven from a 

 mud-flat which abounded with their favourite food. The food of this bird 

 seems to be principally composed in summer of crowberries, and probably 

 other Arctic fruits are eaten. It is also extremely fond of a small mollusk 

 which is found on rocks and amongst seaweed ; and in winter other small 

 marine animals are doubtless eaten. Crowberries were found in the 

 stomachs of the two last-mentioned British examples, and in one of them 

 were also a caterpillar and some small flies. Audubon observed the Esqui- 

 maux Curlew feeding on these berries in Labrador, and states that the 

 flocks alighted, sometimes after performing various evolutions in the air 

 and that each bird ran quickly along, all in the same direction, picking up 

 the berries as they went. When pursued they crouched close to the 

 ground to try and escape detection ; but if flushed they would all rise, and 

 after flying about some time again alight, often in the same place as before. 



The Esquimaux Curlew breeds in the Arctic regions. It is known to 

 nest in great numbers near the Anderson River. Its breedin"--season 

 begins towards the end of June, when the snow has melted, and the Arctic 



