TOTANUS CALIDRIS 8M.S 



The Kedshaak is very common on the Tauisian coasts during the 

 winter months and on passage, and, according to Blanc, also breeds 

 in the Eegency, and may be met with there throughout the entire 

 year. I have several examples of the bird obtained in the neighbour- 

 hood of Djerba between June 15th and '20th. On the shores of the 

 Lake of Tunis and in the immediate vicinity of that town the 

 species is sometimes to be found in large numbers, and Blanc informs 

 me that some years ago the Arabs used constantly to bring him 

 from fifty to one hundred birds a day. Of late years, however, this 

 traffic in Redshanks appears to have fallen off, owing no doubt to 

 the unremunerative prices obtained for the birds. 



In Algeria the species is abundant, though, according to Loche, 

 only to be seen on passage. In Marocco, however, according to 

 Colonel Irby and Favier, it is not only abundant in winter and on 

 passage, but also breeds in the Empire. 



The Eedshank is to be found generally throughout Europe, and 

 breeds in suitable localities, migrating in winter as far south as Cape 

 Colony and Natal. It occurs throughout a considerable portion of 

 the Asiatic Continent and as far east as Japan. 



It is essentially a shore-bird, and throughout the greater part of 

 the year is to be found on the sea-coast, and on salt-water lagoons and 

 salt-pans, in some countries retiring inland for the breeding season. 

 In winter and when migrating, it is very gregarious, and often to be 

 observed in large flocks, in the company of other species of Waders. 



It flies swiftly, and runs and swims well. It is extremely wary, 

 and not easily approached, and when disturbed, flies off uttering its 

 shrill and loud cry of alarm. Its call-note is a clear whistle like 

 " whiu," " tohm." During the breeding-season it is very noisy, and 

 particularly so when its nest is approached. 



The eggs of this species, usually four in number, are placed in 

 a slight depression in the ground, and often concealed by blades of 

 grass or similar herbage. They are of a buff colour, with lilac-brown 

 shell-marks, and darker brown surface-spots and blotches, and 

 measure about 44 X 30 mm. 



The food of the species consists of worms, marine insects, molluscs 

 and crustaceans. 



