BIRDS OF THE SEASHORE 123 



approach of danger is up on the wing flying rapidly, 

 displaying the white triangular rump-patch, and uttering 

 its loud notes. When anxious for its nest it is especially 

 vociferous, and feigns injury to entice the intruder away. 

 Curlews feed at low tide, and as the tide comes in they 

 withdraw inland, flying in wedge-shaped formation. 

 At breeding-time they retire inland to the moors, and 

 remain till nidification is over, leaving the non-breeders 

 behind. In flight, extends neck and stretches out legs 

 behind. On the ground walks in a stately manner and 

 rarely runs. 



Food. Worms, snails, spiders, berries, and insects 

 when inland ; when on the seashore, various small 

 marine creatures, Crustacea, &c. 



Nest. April or May. One brood. 



Site. On the ground in a slight hollow, more or less 

 sheltered by a bunch of heather or tuft of grass. 



Materials. A few grasses or leaves. 



E8 S - Four. Olive-green, blotched and spotted with 

 dark greenish and reddish brown and grey. Pyriform 

 shape. 



COMMON SHELD-DUCK (Tadorna cornuta^. 



Asa breeding species very local and nowhere common. 

 Found on the east coast, in Wales, some of the southern 

 counties, in Scotland and Ireland. 



Haunts. Sandy sea-coasts. 



Observation. In appearance this Duck seems like a 

 link between the Geese and Ducks proper. 



Plumage. Bill and knob at base of same bright red. 

 Head and upper part of neck dark green, next a pure 

 white collar, then a band of chestnut. Wings white, 

 except part of the secondaries and primaries, which is 

 black ; speculum on wing green ; scapulars black. 

 Rump, upper tail-coverts and tail-feathers white, the 

 latter tipped with black; under parts white, except 



