THE SNIPE. 183 



live on the sea shore, and about salt marshes, while 

 others reside far inland on the borders of lakes, rivers 

 and ponds. This tribe includes the Common Snipe, 

 the Curlew, the Woodcock, and many other species. 

 In general their shapes and habits are similar, though 

 they differ in size, and more or less in colour. 



THE LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 



How large is the Long-Billed Curlew? 



The Long-billed Curlew, is two feet in length, and 

 in extent, three feet three inches. The bill is eight 

 inches long, and crooked towards the end. 



What is the colour of this bird? 



The colour of this bird on the upper parts is black, 

 spotted with pale brown ; neck reddish brown, sprink- 

 led with black ; under parts pale brown ; throat and 

 about the eyes, white ; legs, pale blue, and bill black, 

 except near the root of the lower mandible, where it is 

 yellow. 



What is the shape of this bird ? 



In the shape of this bird there is nothing peculiar, 

 except the length of the bill, which is somewhat longer 

 than its whole body. 



Where is this bird to be found ? 



The Long-billed Curlew is a native of America, 

 and it is believed, is found no where else. 



This bird inhabits chiefly, the salt marshes in the 

 vicinity of the sea, but is also, sometimes seen on the 

 shores of the lakes and rivers in the interior. 



When on the sea shore, their food consists of small 

 crabs, and snails, which they obtain by running their 

 bills into the sand. When away from the sea, they 

 eat insects and various kinds of berries. Those taken 



