THE OYSTEK-CATCHEE. 



Hcematopus ostralegus. 



HIS handsome and active bird 

 is tolerably common on the 

 shores of Great Britain, and 

 may be generally fouiid 

 where long ridges of shingle 

 banks, and beds of low rocks, 

 promise a plentiful supply 

 of mussels and other shell- 

 fish. The very strongly 

 marked contrasts in the 

 plumage, which are so notice- 

 able in flight, have gained 

 for it the name of Sea-pie, 

 and perhaps it is better 

 known under this title than 

 any other. 



The Oyster-catcher is not 

 so entirely devoted to the sea- 

 shore as its names might im- 

 ply, for it is very frequently 

 seen on the banks of large 

 rivers and lakes, many miles 

 inland; and in some parts 

 of the country it migrates 



