THE STILT BIRD. 



295 



mud or in marshes and swamps, in which they bore with their long 

 beaks for insects, larvae, and small molluscs, dainties to which they 

 are very partial. 



They are dull, shy birds, leading a solitary life, except at the 

 breeding season. At that period they assemble in great numbers, 

 build their nests in the marshes, on little hillocks, close to one 



Fig. no. Stilt Bird. 



another, grass being the principal material employed. They lay 

 four greenish-coloured eggs, with ash-coloured spots. The male bird 

 watches while the females are sitting ; and, at the slightest alarm, 

 he raises a cry which startles the flock. The whole colony may 

 then be seen on the wing, waiting for the danger to pass before 

 settling down. 



Stilt Birds are uncommon in Western Europe ; they are prin- 

 cipally to be met with in the Russian and Hungarian marshes. 



