LAPWING AND SAND-PIPER. 193 



males at first are considerably the most numerous. When 

 killed at a proper season these birds are reckoned a deli- 

 cious treat at the tables of the opulent. 



THE LAPWING, OR PEEWIT. 



This beautiful bird, which frequents the heaths and 

 marshy grounds in almost every part of the British islands, 

 builds a slight artless nest on the ground, and lays four eggs. 

 It is unnecessary to describe a bird so well known, but 

 some of its peculiar habits are worthy of attention. The 

 parental care of lapwings for their young is very remark- 

 able; they practise every possible device to lure men or 

 dogs from their retreats ; and in urgent danger will even 

 strike at the passenger or assailant. 



These birds become very fat in the winter, when they 

 are taken in the fens by means of nets. In some parts of 

 Britain they are migratory. They arrive in the northern 

 parts of Scotland about April ; and, having reared their 

 young, prepare for removal to a more temperate climate, 

 where their food is more plentiful. For ten days before 

 they finally leave the northern parts of this island, they 

 are observed to collect in large flocks, flying backwards 

 and forwards, as if to exercise their young; and, after a 

 variety of convolutions and clamorous exhortations, they 

 disappear at once, directing their flight southward. 



THE SAND-PIPER. 



The common sand-piper (so called from its whistling or 

 piping) is a solitary bird, except in pairing-time. It fre- 

 quents rivers, lakes, and other fresh waters. Its head is 

 rrown, streaked with black lines; the neck an obscure ash 

 Colour ; the back and coverts of the wings brown, mixed 

 with a glossy green, elegantly marked with transverse 

 dusky lines ; and the breast and belly a pure white. The 

 dunling sand-piper is distinguished from the common 

 species, not only by a difference of colours, but also by its 

 being found on the sea-coasts ; though it certainly may be 

 considered as a rare bird in this country. 



K 



