

FAMILY XX. 



LIMICOLJE, ILLIGER. 



GENUS XLV1U. NUMENIUS, LATHAM. 



215. NVXEXIUS LONGinOSTAIS, WILS. LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 

 WILSOK, PLATE LXIV. FIG. IV. 



THIS American species has been considered by the 

 naturalists of Europe to be a mere variety of their own, 

 notwithstanding its difference of colour, and superior 

 length of bill. These differences not being accidental, 

 or found in a few individuals, but common to all, and 

 none being found in America corresponding with that 

 of Europe, we do not hesitate to consider the present 

 as a distinct species peculiar to this country. 



Like the whooping crane, this bird is an inhabitant of 

 marshes in the vicinity of the sea. It is also found in 

 the interior, where, from its long bill and loud whistling- 

 note, it is generally known. 



The curlews appear in the salt marshes of New 

 Jersey about the middle of May, on their way to the 

 north, and in September, on their return from their 

 breeding places. Their food consists chiefly of small 

 crabs, which they are very dexterous at probing for, 

 and pulling out of the holes with their long bills; they 

 also feed on those small sea snails so abundant in the 

 marshes, and on various worms and insects. They are 

 likewise fond of brambleberries, frequenting the fields 

 and uplands in search of this fruit, on which they get 

 very fat, and are then tender and good eating, alto- 

 gether free from the sedgy taste with which their 

 flesh is usually tainted while they feed in the salt 

 marshes. 



The curlews fly high, generally in a wedge-like form, 

 somewhat resembling certain ducks, occasionally utter- 

 ing their loud whistling note, by a dexterous imitation 



