CHARADRIAD^. 277 



in full breeding dress, obtained at Walwich Bay on April 8th, 

 1863. The other Damara-Land examples of this species which 

 I have seen have been in winter plumage. ED.] 



323. HaematopUS Moquini, Bon. Moquin's Oystercatcher. 



Hcematopus Moquini, Layard's Cat. No. 571. 



Hcematopus niyer, Chapman's Travels in S. Afr., App. p. 416. 



Hcematopus Moquini, Gray's Hand-list of Birds, No. 10064. 



This species is not uncommon on the mainland of the 

 South-west African coast, as well as on the adjacent 

 islands, in which latter localities it breeds. It is usually 

 observed in pairs ; but I have seen it in considerable flocks 

 at Walwich Bay late in October and early in November : 

 the birds composing these flocks are always too shy to be 

 approached within gunshot; they rise with a shrill cry, 

 which is continued during their flight ; and they generally 

 soar to a great height before realighting, sometimes, 

 indeed, taking their departure altogether, on which 

 occasions they usually steer to the northward. 



This species feeds on worms, insects, and mollusca, 

 searching for the latter in crevices and under stones ; and 

 whilst thus engaged it sometimes swims a short distance 

 from rock to rock. 



It makes no nest, but deposits its eggs on the shingle 

 of the beach ; these are four in number, of a drab colour, 

 with eccentric streaks and spots of very dark brown. 



I have been told that the flesh of this Oystercatcher 

 is excellent, but have not myself tasted it. 



The irides are bright red, the ring round the eyes and 

 the bill are orange-red, the legs are carmine red. 



[I have not seen a Damara-Land specimen of this Oyster- 



