254 CHAKADKIID^ 



_Voice.The note is clear and resembles the syllables 

 klii-lt, klu-e. The popular names of ' yelper,' ' barker,' and 

 'clinker,' have been given, in connection with the pecu- 

 liar cry. 



Flight. The flight is swift and straight. 



FIG. 39. LEFT FOOT OF AVOCET. Nat. size. 



Nest. The Avocet lays its eggs in a slight hollow made 

 in dry, muddy, or sandy soil, constructing a rude nest of 

 withered herbage in places where material is available. The 

 eggs, three to four in number, are dark stone-colour, 

 blotched and speckled with black. 



This species is known to have bred formerly in the 

 following counties in England : Lincoln, Norfolk, Suffolk, 



