Nest, &c. 
Food. 
66 GRALLATORES. NUMENIUS. CuRLEW. 
Common Whimbrel, Steph. Shaw’s Zool. 12. 86. pl. 5. 
Provincrat—Curlew -Jack, Half Curlew, Curlew Knot, Stone 
Curlew, 'Tang-Whaap. 
Turse birds are found upon most of our shores during 
the winter, but not so plentifully as the Common Curlew, 
and rarely associated in companies of more than five or six 
in number; which are probably the family of the preceding 
year, that, having migrated together, do not separate till 
they feel the influence of the vernal or pairing season. Upon 
the Northumbrian coast I have observed them most abun- 
dant in the early part of spring, when moving towards the 
higher latitudes, where they breed; but their stay at that 
time is not prolonged beyond a week or ten days. Their 
migration appears to extend farther within the Arctic regions 
than the common species; and Zetland is the only station in 
the British dominions where they have been ascertained to 
breed. The nest (according to Dr FLem1nc) is made on ex- 
posed heaths, like that of the preceding kind, and (upon the 
same authority) the eggs are four or five; of which I sus- 
pect the first number to be the correct one; as I consider, 
from long continued observation, that none of the members 
of the Scolopaceous family habitually lay more than four 
eggs at each hatching. M. Cuvier, from a supposed distinc- 
tive character in the form of the bill, separated this species 
from Nwmenius, under the generic title of Phzopus; in 
which he has been followed by Mr SternEns, the continuator 
of Suaw’s Zoology; but as the only character upon which 
the separation is attempted to be formed does not actually 
exist, it is quite unnecessary for me to offer any apology for 
not in this respect adopting the views of so eminent a natu- 
ralist—The Whimbrel is disseminated throughout Europe, 
the greater part of Asia, and North America; inhabiting 
the sea-shores during the winter season, and retiring more 
inland and to higher latitudes to breed.—It feeds upon 
worms, insects, and molluscous animals; usually obtaining 
