THE GODWIT. 93 



in expanse of wing. Godwits are very shy birds, 

 hiding during the day among the plants of the fens, 

 and coming out to feed after dark, a fact which causes 

 them to appear more rare than they really are. 



The black-tailed godwit forms its nest in the 

 thickest recesses of the reeds and rushes of dry grass 

 and sedges. It lays four eggs, which are from 2 

 inches to 2-f^ inches long, by I T |- inch to i-f| inch 

 broad. They vary from dark stone-colour to olive- 

 green and olive-brown, and are variously spotted 

 with olive-green, olive-brown, and ash-brown. This 

 bird is much less abundant than formerly. 



The Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa rufa) is a winter 

 visitor to our marshes, but individuals have been shot 

 in the summer plumage, which renders it possible 

 that it may occasionally breed in Britain, although its 

 true breeding-place is within the Arctic circle. 



The Avocet (Recurvirostra avocetta, genus Recurvi- 

 rostrd) is a most graceful bird, distinguished by its 

 pointed bill, which curves upwards. It is about 

 1 8 inches long, and the expanse of its wings is 

 2 feet 6 inches. Its feathers are particularly beau- 

 tiful, and are black and white ; the legs are very long 

 and the feet webbed ; it is quite unlike any other 

 British bird. It was formerly not unfrequent in the 

 fenny districts, but now rarely occurs. 



The avocet's habits, like its structure, are peculiar. 

 According to Mudie, the little runs or watercourses 

 which cross the loose sand or sludge, and which 

 always contain a considerable quantity of spawn, 

 larvae, or other animal matters, according to the time 

 of year, are the places which it frequents. It can 



