CHARADRIAD^E. 207 



wing, after the manner of swallows, and sometimes caught 

 in the air by a sudden spring from the ground. 



THE EUROPEAN OYSTER-CATCHER. Hamatqpm ostrale- 

 gus. The Oyster-Catcher is not only common upon our 

 own shores, but throughout Europe, where the coasts are 

 fitted to its habits ; but although its chief haunts are upon 

 the sea-shore, it is occasionally seen inland by the course of 

 rivers. It feeds at low water, resting during the height of 

 the tides, and equally so if the change is during the night. 

 It breeds on many parts of our shores, especially on our 

 northern coasts and the adjacent isles. Mr. Hewitson's 

 account of the breeding habits of this species is minute and 

 very interesting, he says : c ' The Oyster-Catcher is very 

 particular in the selection of a situation for its eggs, always 

 making choice of a piece of gravel or stony ground, if to be 

 met with near, more especially should it be mixed with 

 broken shells, to which it shows a curious partiality, care- 

 fully collecting them together, and arranging them in a 

 slight hole in the ground ; and when these are not to be 

 found, selecting in their stead small flat pieces of stone. 

 Simple and hard though the materials be which compose its 

 nest, it is as particular in the arrangement of them as many 

 of our smaller birds are in the softer and more luxurious 



