MUSK-SHRE W—THICKNEE 



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above and white below, and ranges over a great extent of Europe, from 

 France in the west to southern Russia in the east and Italy in the south, as well 

 as in the Alps up to about 4000 feet. Living by preference in fields and 

 gardens, dry ditches, hedges, under stone-heaps and roots of trees, and occasionally 

 in large forests and wooded districts, the musk-shrew, except during pairing-time, 

 dwells alone in its burrow ; its food consisting of insects and their larvae, worms, 

 field-mice, and young birds, the favourite hunting-time being mostly after a short 

 and sudden rain. The musk-shrew leaves its hole at dawn, and in the evening a 

 little later than the common shrew-mouse, in winter coming into barns, although 

 seldom entering human habitations. It makes at the beginning of winter a soft, 

 snug nest but never hibernates. 



THE THICKNEE OR SIOHE-CCKLEW. 



Thicknee. 



Of birds characteristic of the open country one of the most inter- 

 esting is the thicknee or stone-curlew {(Edicnemus scolopax), which 

 frequents heaths, extensive plains, and desert-like steppes with a sandy soil where 

 grass and other plants are scarce. In such situations this bird seeks the most solitary 

 places, especially those where scattered pines adjoin the open country. In spite of 

 its preference for barren spots, the thicknee cannot exist without water, and therefore 

 lives, when possible, not too far removed from some pool or stream, though often 

 obliged to travel long distances in search of drink. Although its flight is heavy 

 by day, by night it is speedy and energetic. By day the thicknee is indeed a slow 

 and inactive bird, but in the morning and at dusk and on moonlight nights it 

 is remarkable for its activity, running quickly for long distances. When not 

 in a hurry, it walks in measured strides, with straight legs, horizontal body, and 

 neck almost upright; this attitude, together with the large owl-like eyes, giving 

 the bird a somewhat strange appearance. By nature timid and distrustful, at 



