72 LAKES AND RIVERS. 



The Lapwing ( Vanellus cristatus) is a bird that lives 

 rather on the moor than the marsh. 



The Oyster-catcher, of the family Hamdtophida 

 (Hcematopus astralegus), weighs about a pound, and is 

 about 1 8 inches in length. It is a bird of beautiful 

 plumage, the prevailing colours being black and 

 white, which form a pleasing contrast to the bright red 

 bill and feet. This bird measures nearly i^ feet long, 

 and in expanse of wing more than 2 J feet. It is often 

 met with on all parts of the coast. The bill has a length 

 of about 3 inches, with nasal grooves an inch and a half 

 long, and nostrils of longitudinal form. Its long legs 

 are bare for about an inch above the tarsal joint ; the 

 toes are partially webbed. It can walk equally well 

 on rough or slippery ground, for the under part of 

 the foot has small protuberances. The wings are long 

 and pointed, and the tail is long and square at the 

 extremity. The plumage is very close, and difficult to- 

 wet. This bird can swim, though it is not an habitual 

 swimmer. The sea-shore is the haunt of the Oyster- 

 catcher, but it feeds on fresh-water mollusca, and 

 land-slugs and worms. The female sits closely at 

 night and when it rains, and the male is always near, 

 ready to scream and fly off when danger comes. The 

 two then continue to hover about, making a noise 

 till the danger is over. On warm days she leaves the 

 nest to feed. The incubation occupies three weeks. 

 The young, at first, walk with difficulty, but they are 

 soon able to run and fly. 



The Oyster-catcher lays from two to four eggs on 

 the ground ; it is partial to heaps of broken shells or 

 pottery; it makes or takes advantage of a slight depres- 



