THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 153 



YOUNG. Active, and feeding themselves from the first ; 

 very protectively coloured, the down striped or 

 peppered above, and white below. The species 

 with long bills have short bills when chicks. They 

 are nearly full-sized before they can fly. 



NEST. A mere " scrape " on the ground, as a rule. 

 A few Sandpipers lay in old nests of other birds. 



EGGS. Large for the size of the birds, somewhat 

 pear-shaped, and usually four in number ; darkly 

 spotted on a drab or olive ground. 



INCUBATION. Three to four weeks. In many cases 

 the male only sits. 



COURTSHIP. Varied ; the male often assumes a stoop- 

 ing posture, but does not usually droop his wings: 

 Many play in the air. Several species assemble 

 for courtship and fighting, as the Ruff (Pavon- 

 cella pugnax) and Great Snipe (Scolopax major). 



FOOD. Chiefly insects, worms, molluscs, etc., for 

 which they often bore. Ground berries and shoots 

 are also eaten, and sometimes seeds. They are 

 constant feeders, and eat a great deal. 



GAIT. A walk or rapid run. They swim at need 

 and some dive well. A few perch. 



FLIGHT. Usually strong and vigorous, with continuous 

 flapping of the wings, which are usually not fully 

 extended. Many species play about in the air. 

 The feet are extended behind, and also the neck 

 by long-necked species. 



NOTE. Varied ; whistling, mewing, or cackling. Some 

 Sandpipers sing or trill when courting. 



DISPOSITION AND HABITS. They are usually social, very 

 lively, and pugnacious to a greater extent than 

 would be supposed from their delicate structure. 

 They fight chiefly with the wings. 



ECONOMIC QUALITIES. Many are excellent vermin- 

 destroyers, and the flesh and eggs are often much 

 appreciated as food. 



