32 BRITISH BIRDS 



THE CURLEWS. 



The Common Curlew. 



This bird is much larger than any other member of the 

 group, or family, in which it has been placed, attaining to 

 a weight of 22 ounces or more, and a length of i foot 

 9 or 10 inches. 



The call or note is well known and is loud and clear, 

 uttered when the bird is on the wing, and has a whistling 

 sound. It flies strongly and is of a wandering disposition, 

 usually travelling at a great height in the air. 



COMMON CURLEWS. 



The eggs are laid on the ground among grass or rushes 

 and are four in number, differing so much in appearance 

 that scarcely two are found at all alike; they are wonder- 

 fully large for the size of the bird. The young can run 

 about almost as soon as they are hatched ; the parents 

 attend them carefully until they are able to fly, which 

 does not take place for some time. They are easily tamed. 



The Little Curlew. See Whimbrel, 



