222 ORALLY. 



highly prized as food when in good condition. In former 

 times, they were captured in considerable numbers and 

 brought to the London markets ; but they are now compara- 

 tively rare. Their diminished numbers render them less an 

 object to the fowler, and their retired habits conceal them 

 from common observation, so that they may appear to be 

 fewer than they are in reality. 



THE BAR-TAILED GODWIT (LimOSO, riff a). 



The bar-tailed godwit is not known to breed in England, 

 though it comes as a winter migrant, and is said to appear in 

 greater numbers in those seasons in which the other species is 

 rarest. Neither of them is to be considered either in part or 

 in whole as a regular migrant, shifting its latitude with the 

 seasons. The red one generally, and probably also a portion 

 of the winter numbers of the other, are to be considered as 

 lateral visitors from the opposite part of the continent, which 

 resort to us when their own pastures at home are flooded, or 

 otherwise not suited to their numbers, or simply because the 

 wind catches them on the wing, and wafts them across the 

 short passage between Holland and Norfolk. Besides the 

 differences already mentioned, this species has the top of the 

 head in the summer plumage more entirely reddish brown ; 

 more reddish brown on the upper part j the colour on the 

 neck and breast redder than in the other species, and is 

 without white on the base of the quills. The brown upon it 

 fades to greyish white in the winter, and the general plumage 

 inclines to grey ; but the bills, the tails, and the lengths of 

 the tarsi, afford distinct specific differences. 



THE SCOOPING AVOCET (EecuTvirostra avocetta). 



The avocet is a handsome bird, though the length, upward 

 curvature, and apparent texture of its bill give it rather a 

 singular appearance. The length of the bird to the tail is 



