RAIL TRIBE. 195 



white colour, and irregularly varied, particularly at the 

 arger end, with black marks and spots. In the winter 

 they collect into small flocks, and are then to be ob- 

 served on the heaths and moors. They make a shrill, 

 whistling noise ; and, it is said, may be enticed within 

 ;un-shot, by any person who is able to imitate the 

 sound. 



The plumage is black on the upper parts, and white 

 below ; and the feet are ash-coloured. 



Long-legged or Stilt Plover. The most interesting ac- 

 count that has been given of this very remarkable bird, 

 was inserted by the late Rev. Mr. White in his History 

 of Selbome. The length of the legs is so extraordinary, 



hat, had we seen such a bird painted upon a Chinese 

 >r Japan screen, we should have made large allow- 

 ance for the fancy of the draughtsman. One of them 

 when embowelled and stuffed, weighed only four ounces 

 and a quarter, though the naked part of the thigh 

 measured three inches and a half. Hence in the Stilt 



*lovers, the legs are generally more than thrice the 

 length of the whole body ; and are, at the same time, 



ery weak and slender. It is a migratory species, a 

 native chiefly of the south of Europe, and rarely visits 

 )ur island. 



The general colour of the plumage is white. The back 

 md the wings are black. The bill is black, and longer 

 han the head ; and the legs are red. 



40. RAIL TRIBE. 



Most of these birds reside in the neighbourhood of 

 and morassy places, where they subsist on 



K 2 



