66 GRALLATORES. NUMENIUS. CURLEW. 



Common Whimbrel, Steph. Shaw's Zool. 12. 86. pi. 5. 



PROVINCIAL Curlew -Jack, Half Curlew, Curlew Knot, Stone 

 Curlew, Tang-Whaap. 



THESE birds are found upon most of our shores during 

 the winter, but not so plentifully as the Common Curlew, 

 and rarely associated in companies of more than five or six 

 in number ; which are probably the family of the preceding 

 year, that, having migrated together, do not separate till 

 they feel the influence of the vernal or pairing season. Upon 

 the Northumbrian coast I have observed them most abun- 

 dant in the early part of spring, when moving towards the 

 higher latitudes, where they breed ; but their stay at that 

 time is not prolonged beyond a week or ten days. Their 

 migration appears to extend farther within the Arctic regions 

 than the common species ; and Zetland is the only station in 

 the British dominions where they have been ascertained to 

 Nest, &c. breed. The nest (according to Dr FLEMING) is made on ex- 

 posed heaths, like that of the preceding kind, and (upon the 

 same authority) the eggs are four or Jive ; of which I sus- 

 pect the first number to be the correct one ; as I consider, 

 from long continued observation, that none of the members 

 of the Scolopaceous family habitually lay more than four 

 eggs at each hatching. M. CUVIER, from a supposed distinc- 

 tive character in the form of the bill, separated this species 

 from NumeniuS) under the generic title of Phaeopus; in 

 which he has been followed by Mr STEPHENS, the continuator 

 of SHAW'S Zoology ; but as the only character upon which 

 the separation is attempted to be formed does not actually 

 exist, it is quite unnecessary for me to offer any apology for 

 not in this respect adopting the views of so eminent a natu- 

 ralist. The Whimbrel is disseminated throughout Europe, 

 the greater part of Asia, and North America; inhabiting 

 the sea-shores during the winter season, and retiring more 

 Food. inland and to higher latitudes to breed. It feeds upon 

 worms, insects, and molluscous animals ; usually obtaining 



