THE CURLEWS. 327 



Mr. D. G. Elliot writes : When feeding about in such 

 large flocks, they keep up a constant low chattering noise, 

 as if indulging in an uninterrupted flow of conversation. 

 They frequent the open flats in the vicinity of the sea- 

 shore, feed on insects, worms, &c., and are shy birds, and 

 in the autumn become very fat, and their flesh is highly 

 esteemed. It is known as Doe Bird, Futes, Small Curlew, &c. 

 It flies with great rapidity, is easily alarmed and difficult to 

 approach, unless when feeding quietly among other waders ; 

 but is more readily shot when flying to and from its feeding- 

 grounds, when, if one stations himself on their route, as they 

 generally pass at no great height, many can be secured. In 

 Labrador this Curlew is seen in flocks of various sizes ; some- 

 times several thousands of the birds are gathered together, and 

 their flight is swiftly performed by regular beat of the wings, 

 and they often execute many beautiful evolutions, frequently 

 massing together in compact ranks. On alighting, the wings 

 are raised over the back, as is the habit of many Snipes and 

 Plovers, and then folded carefully and with deliberation into 

 the accustomed place. The note is a soft, clear whistle, and 

 the birds come readily to the gunner (if he can imitate their 

 call cleverly), dropping the legs and curving the wings as they 

 sail unsuspectingly to the decoys. They feed on grasshoppers, 

 berries of various kinds, and small snails, which they detach 

 from the rocks. 



Mr. E. W. Nelson writes : " Small flocks of this Curlew 

 will follow a single Hudsonian Curlew all over the country in 

 the same manner as smaller species of Snipe will follow one of a 

 larger kind." He imagines that it is on account of the superior 

 watchfulness of the larger bird, and that a greater degree of 

 protection is thereby secured. 



Nest. Merely a depression in the ground, lined with a few 

 decayed leaves and dried grass. 



Eggs. Four in number. The solitary specimen in the 

 British Museum, is of a light olive-brown, with distinct grey 

 underlying spots distributed over its surface, the overlying 

 spots being brown and chiefly congregated about the larger 

 end, where some of them are confluent. Axis, 2-25 inches; 

 diam, 1-55. 



