THE CURLEW. 



461 



know it by the name of Black Curlew. It is probably the Black Ibis 

 mentioned by Herodotus. 



The Curlew, or Whaup, is found mostly upon the seashore and 



The Glossy Ibis {Ibis falcinellus). 



open moorlands, and, partly on account of its wild, shy habits, partly 

 because its flesh is very delicate and well flavored, is greatly pursued 

 by sportsmen. These birds are very annoying to a gunner who does 

 not understand their ways, 

 having a fashion of keep- 

 ing just out of gun-range, 

 rising from the ground 

 with a wild, mournful 

 cry which has the efiect 

 of alarming every other 

 bird within hearing, and 

 flying off* to a distance, 

 where they alight only 

 to play the same trick 

 again. Moreover, they 

 are strong on the wing 

 and well feathered, so 

 that they require a sharp 

 blow to bring them down, 



and necessitate the use of 



j 1 - The Curlew {^umeiuus urqmta). 



The breeding-grounds of the Curlew are inland, the locality varying 

 according to the character of the district, wild heath and high hilly 



