GRALLATORES. 453 



sometimes amounts to several thousands. The food of theso 

 birds consists chiefly of the small crabs, called &quot;fiddlers;&quot; they 

 are also fond of small salt-water shell fish ; and thrust out the 

 bill to its full length into the wet sand in search of sea-worms 

 and insects. The Long-billed Curlew resides in Texas and on 

 the Islands of South Carolina; but wanders North along the 

 coast, and is occasionally seen in the interior. Dr. Kirtland 

 observed it in Ohio ; others have seen it in Kentucky and Mis 

 souri. 



Smaller species are the JACK CURLEW, or Short-billed Curlew, 

 N. Hudsonicus, closely allied to the Whimbrel, of Europe ; it 

 breeds in the Northern regions. This species, in addition to the 

 food of the preceding species, makes use of berries. Its length 

 is sixteen inches. 



The SMALL ESQUIMAUX CURLEW, IV. borealis, is known under 

 the names of Little Curlew, and Dough-Bird, and much esteemed 

 by epicures. Its length is fifteen inches. Nuttall says it ranges 

 from Paraguay to the 70o N. L. 



TATTLERS. 



The TELL-TALE TATTLER, Totanus vociferus, receives its name 

 from its frequent cries, uttered quite as much for its own sake, 

 as tc give warning to others. It ranges widely over the United 

 States, and is found at all seasons. In Maine and New Bruns 

 wick, it is called &quot;Humility,&quot; a name that does not seem to 

 agree with its vociferous habits.&quot; These birds &quot;congregate in 

 great numbers in the inland marshes of Florida, and along its 

 rivers, during the winter.&quot; Though found near both salt and 

 fresh water, they seem to prefer the latter, selecting ponds of 

 which the water is shallow, and the shores muddy, affording 

 places where they can walk and wade with ease. In the West- 

 ern country, it is called the &quot;Great Yellow-Shank.&quot; The upper 

 parts are generally black, glossed with green, each feather mar 

 gined with white triangular spots; the throat, breast and abdo 

 men, are pure white. Length about fourteen inches. 



The SPOTTED SAND-LARK, T. macularius, is a familiar bird, of 

 a glossy olive brown color, with blackish waves, found through 

 out the Union in small families, along almost every stream, and 

 the borders of ponds and lakes. In allusion to its notes, it has 

 the common name of Peet-weet ; from its repeated grotesque, 

 jerking motions, it is called Teeter, and Tiltup. It feeds on 

 insects and worms; breeds in New York and farther North. 

 Occasionally it is found in Europe. The length is eight inches. 



The GRAVT PLOVER, T. Bartramius, is twelve inches in length, 



