INTRODUCTION, 55 
Very like these birds ia the well-known Kuff, which iv as 
noted for its combative habits as for the handsome elongated 
feathers which, at the breeding-season *, adorn the neck of the 
cock bird, It is distinguished by the name Machetes pugnan, 
The Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa melanura) represents an- 
other group of about four species, all Northern forme. 

The Bull (Mache puynaz). 
The curious Bird called the Oyster-catcher (Hamatopua onliu- 
leyvs), well known to most persons at all familiar with the 
creatures of our shores, is readily recognizable by ite black and 
white plumage and ite straight and powerful bill. They breed 
close to the water, and their nests are sometimes hollowed 
out on the sand or shingle only just above high-water mark. 
* The great differences in the pains of theve Birds, according to sex, 
age, and season, are very remarkable, J hey are Well exhibited in a cawe in 
the Hall of the Natural History Museum, 
