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THE OYSTER-CATCHER. 



they differ from the Coots chiefly in having no plate or horny 

 shield covering the forehead; and from the Jacanas, in not 

 having their wings armed with spines. They are rarely seen, 

 as they feed, morning and evening, amongst reeds and marsh- 

 growing plants, and conceal themselves during the day in long 

 grass, or ditches, from whence it is difficult to rouse them, as 

 they run very swiftly, and will not rise if they can avoid it. 



The fifth and last genus consists of Oystfer-catchers, or Sea- 

 Pies, from the black and white plumage of our British species 



Oyster-catchers. 



bearing some resemblance to that of the Magpie. They live 

 by the seaside, feeding on marine insects, for which they may 

 be seen actively searching at low-water. The name of Oyster- 

 catcher is also derived from their expertness in extracting the 

 oyster, which, however, can be done only when the shell is 

 open, and not even then without great caution ; for instances 

 have been known of the unfortunate bird being made prisoner 

 by the oyster closing upon its beak. 



Its eggs are laid on the bare ground, for the nest, if it 

 deserves to be so called, consists only of small shingle and 



