WHIMBREL 



LITTLE WHAAP WHIMBREL CURLEW. 

 PLATE CLXIV. FIGURE I. 



Numtnius phaopus, PENNANT. 



Numenius minor^ ..... BRISSON. 

 Scolopax phaopus, MONTAGU. 



THE nest of this species, a shallow depression in the 

 soil, is placed among the heather on the open moor 

 or some hillock or low stump. A few dry grasses are the 

 materials of its composition, and it is scarcely hid from 

 view. 



The eggs are four in number, of a dark olive-brown 

 colour, blotted with darker brown. They are wide at one 

 end and much narrower at the other, and are placed in 

 the nest with the pointed ends inwards. They are con- 

 sidered good eating, and being sought for on this account, 

 the numbers of the birds are diminished in consequence. 

 The male and female sit on them by turns. If disturbed 

 they make great outcries to distract the intruder. The 

 young leave the nest as soon almost as hatched, and skulk 

 most warily on the approach of danger. 



