166 



ESKIMO CURLEW 



266. Numenius borealis. 13.5 in. 



Bill comparatively short (about 2 in.) and little 

 curved. Above, marked similarly to the last; below 

 white or pale buff, often thickly covered on the breast 

 and sides with streaks and arrow head markings of 

 blackish. Primaries and most of the secondaries plain 

 brownish-black, without the variegation of the last spe- 

 cies. A few years ago this was considered the most 

 abundant of the curlews, but so persistently have they 

 been hunted that they are now practically exterminated. 

 When it comes to looking after their safety, curlews 

 are, perhaps, the most stupid of the shore birds for they 

 do not seem to realize the dangerous character of man- 

 kind in general, and they have paid the penalty. I trust 

 that all sportsmen will refrain from shooting these birds. 



Nest. Like that of the Hudsonian; eggs similar but 

 smaller. 



Range. Eastern N. A., breeding in the Arctic regions 

 and migrating through the Plains, Mississippi Valley, 

 and to a less extent on the Atlantic 'coast, to South 

 America. Very rare now anywhere. 



