WATER BIRDS. 



The Curlew. 



The Godwit. 



The Curlew depicted in the wood-cut is the most common in England, known in some parts as the Whaup. 

 It is in length about two feet and a half, and is distinguished by its long bluish legs and extended bill. The 

 latter is of a dusky black color, and about seven inches in length. The pervading color of this bird is a 

 pale brown, but the breast and lower part of the back are white, the former marked with oblong black spots, 

 the Litter with a few spots of a dusky color. The quills are black, spotted on the inner web with white. 

 In the breeding season, when they reside on the moors, they are not gregarious, but when they migrate 

 to the sea-shore they congregate in large numbers, and may be observed following one another in a long 

 line as they wade along the sand, picking up small crabs, worms, c e :c. 



The Godwit is much smaller than the curlew, being in length about sixteen inches. This bird perhaps 

 exceeds the curlew in timidity, and when in the summer it resorts to the fens, it seldom remains above a 

 day or two in the same place. 



The Purre belongs to the family of Sandpipers. It is one of the wading tribe, being only about seven 

 or seven and a half inches in length. This bird may be seen on the coast nearly all the year round, though 

 in the summer they are not so numerous, and for a short period (about July) appear all to have departed. 

 It is probable that, like the other birds we have noticed, it retires at this season to breed. But whither 

 they direct their flight has not yet been ascertained. 

 C29M 



