SCOLOPACID.E. 



11 



front, one behind ; the toes in front united by a membrane as far as the first 

 articulation ; the hind toe articulated upon the tarsus and touching the ground. 

 Wings moderate, the first quill feather the longest in the wing. 



The Curlew is so common a bird as to be well known on 

 almost evety part of om- coast, where it obtains a living from 

 the middle of autumn, through the winter, till the pairing 

 season of the following spring. It frequents the sea-shore 

 and its extensive sandy flats during the ebb tide, seeking for 

 small Crustacea, marine insects, worms, &c., with which to 

 satisfy its hunger, retiring to open fields in the vicinity when 

 the rising tide covers the feeding ground. Sir William Jar- 

 dine has described from personal observation the habits of 

 these birds on the Sol way. " They retired regularly inland 

 after their favourite feeding places were covered. A long 

 and narrow ledge of rocks runs into the Frith, behind which 

 we used to lie concealed, for the purpose of getting shots at 

 various sea-fowl returning at ebb. None were so regular as 

 the Curlew. The more aquatic were near the sea, and could 

 perceive the gradual reflux ; the Curlews Avere far inland, but 

 as soon as we could perceive the top of a sharp rock standing 

 above water, we were sure to perceive the first flocks leave 

 the land, thus keeping pace regularly with the change of the 

 tides. They fly in a direct line to their feeding grounds, 

 and often in a wedge shape ; on alarm, a simultaneous cry is 

 uttered, and the next coming flock turns from its course, 

 uttering in repetition the same alarm note. In a few days 

 they become so wary, as not to fly over the concealed station. 

 They are one of the most difficult birds to approach, except 

 during spring, but may be enticed by imitating their whistle." 

 One cry peculiar to the Curlew sounds like corlieu or courlie ; 

 whence its English and French name. 



Early in April the Curlews begin to retire from the coast 

 and seek the breeding grounds. Mr. Selby feels assured 

 from observations he has been able to make, that this move- 



