536 "THE ESKIMO CURLEW. 
gonia. This is the least known of our three recorded species of Numenius, 
and its occurrence is nowhere counted upon by the sporting fraternity in the 
state. The chief routes of migration follow pretty closely the east and west 
coasts of our country, and the Mississippi Valley, but in the two latter regions 
its numbers have very materially decreased. 
No. 251. 
ESKIMO CURLEW. 
A. O. U. No. 266. Numenius borealis (Forst.). 
Synonym.—Doucu-zirp. 
Description.—Adult: Similar to preceding species, but smaller and colora- 
tion heavier; the ground color warm buff; the back blackish; streaking of neck, 
etc., broader ; the barring of under parts much more extensive, only middle of belly 
and crissum immaculate; crown-stripes and line through eye not so distinct; pri- 
maries not barred or mottled on inner webs,—fuscous throughout; axillars deep 
ochraceous-buff, barred and dusky; bill smaller every way. Length 12.00-14.50 
(304.8-368.3) ; wing 8.30 (210.8) ; tail 3.10 (78.7) ; bill 2.30 (58.4) ; tarsus 1.65 
(41.9). 
Recognition Marks.—Ljittle Hawk size; buffy and blackish, finely streaked 
and mottled; small, decurved bill. An upland bird. 
Nesting.—Does not breed in Ohio. Eggs, 3-4, “pale olive greenish, olive, 
or olive brownish, distinctly spotted, chiefly on larger end, with deep or dark 
brown.” Ay. size, 2.04 x 1.43 (51.8 x 36.3). (Ridgw.). 
General Range.—Fastern North America, breeding in the Arctic regions, 
and migrating south throughout South America. 
Range in Ohio.—Rare migrant. 
GREATER abundance atones for the smaller size of this Curlew in 
regions where it is regularly found at all. It moves up the Mississippi Val- 
ley in immense flocks, deploying over the prairies, and keeping company with 
such birds as the Bartramian Sandpiper and the Golden Plover. When feed- 
ing in extensive companies the birds keep up a conversational chattering, which 
Coues likens to that of a flock of Blackbirds. 
In Labrador, where these Curlews have been most closely studied, they 
are found to feed largely upon the cow berry (Empetrum nigrum), so greed- 
ily, in fact that their plumage often becomes stained with its purple juice. 
Upon this fare, together with a generous allowance of sea food in the shape 
of snails, the birds become excessively fat, and are in prime condition for 
the unreluctant gunner in August or early September. 
