1^2 THE SNIPES AND SNIPPETS. 



how the bird uses it. The Avocet is common enough 

 at times on the mainland. Then there is the Stilt, 

 easily known by the ridiculous length of its bright 

 red legs, which trail behind it when it flies. Its cap, 

 wings and back are black ; the rest of it is white. 

 Both these are good eating. The Spoonbill and the 

 Ibis are striking birds, but very unlikely to be seen 

 in Bombay. There is only one other bird I need 

 mention here, and that is the Stint (Tringa minuta), 

 tiniest of water-fowl. If you see a hundred dingy 

 little birds, about the size of sparrows, all feeding 

 together knee-deep in water, you may safely put them 

 down as Stints. 



