WHIMBREL. 



511 



The female from which the representation was taken 

 measured eighteen inches ; the beak, from the point to the 

 commencement of the feathers on the top, three inches and 

 a half. The average weight is about twelve ounces. 



An adult male measured sixteen inches ; the beak three 

 inches ; the wing, from the carpal joint to the end of the 

 longest primary quill-feather, nine inches and a half ; the 

 first quill-feather the longest in the wing. 



In young birds of the year the beak is shorter, but by the 

 middle of September it has nearly attained its full length ; 

 exceeding two inches in length ; the sexes, whether old or 

 young, do not differ much either in tints or markings. 



The nestling may be distinguished from the young Curlew 

 by the light-coloured centre which afterwards becomes a 

 broad streak dividing the dark patch on the crown. 



The figure below represents the breast-bone of the Curlew, 

 one-third less than the natural size. 



