314 



THE OYSTER- CATCHER. 





it is difficult to rouse them, as they run very swiftly, and 

 will not rise, if they can avoid it. 



The fifth and last genus consists of Oyster- Catchers, or 

 Sea.-Pies, from the hlack and white plumage of our British 

 species hearing some resemblance to that of the Magpie. 

 They live hy the sea- side, feeding on marine insects, for 

 which they may he seen actively searching at low water. 

 Their name of Oyster-Catcher is also derived from their 



Oyster- Catchers 



expertness in extracting the oyster, which, however, can he 

 done only when the shell is open, and not even then without 

 great caution ; for instances have been known of the unfor- 

 tunate bird being made prisoner by the oyster closing upon 

 its beak. 



Its eggs are laid on the bare ground, for the nest, if it 

 deserves to be so called, consists only of small shingle and 



