THE OYSTER CATCHER. 171 



the beaaty of which is especially exhibited when 

 on wing. Similar in the colours of its apparel 

 to the ivory-billed woodpecker, the snowy hue 

 of the lower portions is rendered more effective 

 from the brilliant tints of its coral bill, and the 

 transparent whiteness of its wings, with the 

 blended jets of their tips, altogether present a 

 most striking combination. Its flight, swift and 

 graceful, is also powerful and sustained, some- 

 times accompanied also by the most extraordi- 

 nary evolutions. When in groups they pass 

 impetuously, wheeling; then, suddenly check- 

 ing their* course, return, not low over the sur- 

 face of the water as before, but soaring high. 

 Then forming themselves into ranks, presenting 

 a broad front, in a moment, as though alarmed, 

 again they close, and dive towards the sands or 

 the waves. Should they be aimed at then, the 

 shot generally strikes more than one, but the 

 rest, as soon as aware of danger, meet in a 

 straggling line, and are soon out of sight or 

 reach. Vigilant and timid, this bird is con- 

 stantly on the alert. Should it perceive any 

 one watching it, immediately it sends forth a 

 loud, shrill cry of alarm, and on being ap- 

 proached, flies entirely out of view. Thus the 

 only means of observing its habits, Audubon 

 found, was in the use of the telescope. When 

 quietly pursuing its occupations, it is observed 



