354 CHAEADRIID^E 



It is widely distributed over the shores of Scotland, 

 though rare in the Orkneys. 



The Bar-tailed Godwit is common on many parts of the 

 Irish coasts. Immature birds, at first quite tame, generally 

 appear about the middle of August. They can often be 

 approached so closely that the rich buff colour of their 

 breasts is discernible. I have observed flocks of several 

 hundreds in midwinter on the Dublin coast, and these, 

 in spring, are reinforced by migrants journeying from 

 southern latitudes. Many of the latter remain with us until 

 the beginning of June. 1 Like the Knot, this bird very 

 seldom appears on the Irish coast in nuptial plumage. It 

 would seem that a large proportion are immature, and many 

 such remain throughout the breeding-season. 



This species delights to wander over ooze-flats and 

 stretches of soft sand, into which it can probe its long 

 beak in search of food : it often follows the bed of a salt- 

 water drain or creek. , 



I have seen large flocks resting on the bare sands at 

 ebb-tide, some of the birds apparently asleep, with their 

 beaks buried in the feathers of the shoulders, and supporting 

 themselves each on one leg. 2 But at high water they 

 appear to take most rest, when, scattered into pairs and 

 small parties, they stand motionless on rocks, shingle, or 

 marshy grass-tufts. 



This bird seldom attempts to swim except when 

 wounded, but it will frequently stand still for a considerable 

 time while its feet and legs are being washed by the ripplets 

 of the inflowing tide. 



1 On June 7th, 1899, I descried an unusually large flock consisting 

 of several hundreds of Bar-tailed Godwits, on the Dublin coast ; I 

 scanned them carefully with my field-glass, but failed to recognise any 

 nuptial-plumaged birds among them. 



2 I made the following observations on a fine, adult Bar-tailed 

 Godwit which was presented by Mr. Warren to the Royal Zoological 

 Society of Ireland. The bird had a habit of standing for a considerable 

 time on one leg, with its feathers puffed out. When walking or standing, 

 the beak was generally carried horizontally. Though normally of a 

 calm and contented nature, yet fits of excitement sometimes manifested 

 themselves, especially in early autumn. At such times the captive 

 would fly round and round its cage, battering itself against the bars, as 

 though trying to escape. Indeed, it seemed almost suggestive that the 

 bird was possessed of a strong migratory desire. When eating, it would 

 bury its long beak in its food, which consisted of bread softened in milk, 

 chopped meat, and vegetables. It repeatedly sounded the syllables 

 cak-caTe-caTc, when resting and walking. Its expression of eye was soft, 

 and with the other feathered inmates it was most friendly. 



