ESKIMO CURLEW 
266. Numenius borealis. 13.5 in. 
Bill comparatively short (about 2 in.) and little 
eurved. Above, marked similarly to the last; below 
white or pale buff, often thickly covered on the breast 
and sides with streaks and arrow head markings of 
blackish. Primaries and most of the secondaries plain 
brownish-black, without the variegation of the last spe- 
cies. A few years ago this was considered the most 
abundant of the curlews, but so persistently have they 
been hunted that they are now practically exterminated. 
When it comes to looking after their safety, curlews 
are, perhaps, the most stupid of the shore birds for they 
do not seem to realize the dangerous character of man- 
kind in general, and they have paid the penalty. I trust 
that all sportsmen will refrain from shooting these birds. 
Nest.—Like that of the Hudsonian; eggs similar but 
smaller. i 
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in the Arctic regions 
and migrating through the Plains, Mississippi Valley, 
and to a less extent on the Atlantic coast, to South 
America. Very rare now anywhere. 
