320 



THE CURLEW. 



of the wings are of a pale brown color, and the middle of each featheT 



is black. The breast and belly are 

 white, marked with narrow oblong 

 black lines. The back is white, 

 spotted with a few black strokes. The 

 quill-feathers are black, but the inner 

 webs are spotted with white. The 

 tail is white, tinged with red, and 

 beautifully barred with black. The 

 legs are long, strong and of a bluish 

 gray color. 



Large flocks of Curlews are frequently seen, in the winter season, 

 on the sea-coasts, running about upon the sands, and feeding on 

 shell-fish, crabs, and marine insects : they are also found in marshes, 

 where they subsist on small frogs, snails, insects, and worms. Their 

 bill is so long, weak, and slender, that it is calculated only for dig- 

 ging into soft mud or earth, in search of prey. 



Both the English and French names of this bird are evidently 

 derived from its cry. 



OT 



In summer-time the Curlews retire to mountainous and unfrequsn 

 ted parts of the country, where they pair and breed. The eggs, which 

 are four in number, are of a uale color, marked with irregular bu* 

 distinct spots of brown. 



