BIRDS. 369 



great variety of devices to draw any intruder away from the 

 vicinity of the nest or young; feigning lameness, or allowing 

 a wing to droop as if it were broken, and thus tempting the 

 inexperienced visiter to follow in the hope of taking the bird 

 prisoner. 



Besides different species of Plovers, this family contains 

 the Lapwing or Peewit (Vanellus cristatus). To this bird 

 the term "elegant" is peculiarly appropriate, from its figure, 

 its crest, its plumage, and the ease and vivacity of every 

 movement. The English name Lapwing is given because of 

 the slow movement of its wings in flight. Its peculiar note 

 has suggested the other name of Peewit. The French convey 

 an idea of its cry by the words diw-huit.* It gives life and 

 interest to the wildest moor. The stratagems it employs for 

 the safety of its young are well known, and are mentioned by 

 every observer of its habits. 



Gruidce. The common Crane (Grus cinerea. Fig. 276), is a 

 very rare visitant in England; 

 and in Ireland has been un- 

 known for more than a century, t 

 Mr. Gould says, " Flocks of the 

 birds are seen at stated times 

 in France and Germany, pass- 

 ing northwards and southwards, 

 as the season may be, in mar- 

 shalled order, high in the air, 

 their sonorous voices distinctly 

 heard, even from their elevated 

 course." It is said to winter 

 in Africa. 



Ardeidce. The common 

 Heron (Ardea cinerea) is pro- 

 bably one of the best known 

 birds belonging to the present 

 order. Its motionless attitude 

 as it watches for its prey in the 

 shallow of the river or the sea, 

 cannot fail to have attracted Fig. 



attention, adding, as it not unfrequently does, to the pictu- 



* M. Edwards' Elemens, p. 121. 



f Smith, in his History of Cork, states it was seen during the remark- 

 able frost of 1739. Thompson's Report on the Irish Fauna, 



