LAPWING— IVA TER-RA1L 



3°S 



stretches of swampy ground overgrown with reeds and bushes. This well known, 

 although seldom - seen, bird winds its eel-like way through the densest shrubs, 

 which it scarcely seems to touch with its slender body, and when it cannot creep 

 beneath the plants, it lightly hops over them. Walking and running lightly and 

 gracefully, it dives and swims with facility, although without webbed feet ; but it 

 never takes to the wing except when compelled, and then flies with an effort. Its 



flight is straight and low, the legs dangling down while the wings tremble and 

 flap in an awkward manner. The nest, which is built just above the water-level, 

 either in reeds or rushes or beneath willows, is a deep, loosely-woven structure, lined 

 with reeds and flags, and at the beginning of June contains from five to eleven ashy 

 grey eggs marked with brown. The black-downed young run from the nest as 

 soon as hatched to conceal themselves, but are recalled by the parents by whom 

 they are protected, warned of danger, and taught to find their food, which consists 

 vol. i. — 20 



