96 GRALLATORES. LIMOSA. GODWIT. 



rare visitant, but, from the observations I have been enabled 

 to make, it appears to be as regular in its visits as the other, 

 though perhaps not so numerous or so generally dispersed ; 

 and it has been proved, within these few years past, to be the 

 present species which breeds in certain parts of our fens, and 

 not the Common Godwit, as had been previously supposed. 

 During winter, these birds are sparingly scattered along our 

 oozy shores, and at the mouths of our larger rivers, as well 

 as in the fenny districts of Lincolnshire and Norfolk ; but 

 about the period of their annual movements, they are more 

 numerous, and also more widely dispersed, and at this time 

 frequently visit the coasts of Northumberland, and other 

 northern districts *. 



Food. The food of the Black-tailed Godwit consists of insects and 



worms, obtained by probing the mud and soft sand with its 

 long bill ; and it is then frequently seen wading tolerably 

 deep in the water, immersing the head at intervals, and 

 searching the deposit beneath. This habit accounts for the 

 great development of that gland, which, as I have before 

 observed, appears to secrete a fluid for lubricating and pro- 

 tecting the eyes of such birds as are accustomed to have the 

 head frequently submerged ; and it accordingly exists to the 

 greatest extent in the Order Natatores, or true water birds 

 The species is widely distributed throughout Europe and 

 Asia ; and if the Hudsonian Godwit of Latham be identical 

 with it, is an inhabitant of North America ; but, as the de- 

 scription of that species is very concise, I quote it with some 

 degree of doubt, as it may possibly refer to the Marbled God- 

 wit (Limosa Fedoa) of the American continent. The Black- 

 tailed Godwit, as before stated, breeds annually in some of 



Nest, &c. our fens, making its nest in the thick herbage, and always in 

 the vicinity of water. It lays four eggs, of a deep oil-green 

 colour, faintly blotched with spots of a darker shade. 



* Whilst writing this account (March 1831), four Godwits were brought 

 to me for sale, three of which were of the black-tailed species, and just be- 

 ginning to acquire the summer plumage. 



