254 CHARADRIIDZ 
Voice.-—The note is clear and resembles the syllables 
kli-it, kla-e. The popular names of ‘ yelper,’ ‘barker,’ and 
‘clinker,’ have been given, in connection with the pecu- 
har cry. 
Flight.—The flight is swift and straight. 
Fic. 39.—LEFT FOOT OF AVOCET. ¢ Nat. size. 
Nest.—The Avocet lays its eggs in a slight hollow made 
in dry, muddy, or sandy soil, constructing a rude nest of 
withered herbage in places where material 1s available. The 
eggs, three to four in number, are dark stone-colour, 
blotched and speckled with black. 
This species is known to have bred formerly in the 
following counties in England :—Lincoln, Norfolk, Suffolk, 
