THE STILT-WALKERS. 27 



THE PIED OYSTER-CATCHER, OR SEA PIE. 



The Pied Oyster-catcher, or Sea Pie {Hcsmatopus ostrakgus), possesses a compact body, 

 large head, long straight beak, which is much compressed and of conical form ; moderately high, 

 powerful feet, furnished with short broad toes connected by a skin; medium-sized and pointed wings, 

 in which the first quill is the longest; and a short straight tail, composed of twelve feathers. The 

 plumage on the upper portions- of the body is of a glossy black ; the neck, crop, and rump, a 

 patch under the eye and the belly are white; the primary quills and tail-feathers black, with white 

 roots. The eyes are bright blood-red, edged with orange. The broad rings that surrounds the eyes 

 and the beak are vermilion, the latter tipped with a lighter shade ; the feet are dark flesh-red. The 

 length of the male is sixteen inches ; its breadth across the wings thirty-one inches and a half ; the 

 wing measures nine inches and a half, and the tail fully four inches. The female is smaller than her 

 mate, and has less black upon her breast. During the winter this species has a crescent-shaped white 

 patch upon the throat. 



The Pied Oyster-catchers are met with along almost the entire coast of the Old and New 

 Worlds (being especially numerous on the more rocky portions). They are also found in Greenland 

 and on the islands of the Northern and Arctic Oceans. During the winter they appear in Southern 

 Europe, but are by no means common. The migrations of these birds vary considerably with the 

 climate of their native haunts; such as inhabit shores warmed by the Gulf Stream remaining in the same 

 localities from one year to another ; whilst in those latitudes where the seas are covered with ice 

 during the cold season, they are compelled to go south in order to obtain the requisite supply of food. 

 During the course of these enforced wanderings the mainland is rarely traversed, the fugitive keeping 

 as near as possible to the shore, or, when necessary, crossing even large tracts of water without any 

 inconvenience. Occupants of the shores of the eastern and northern seas seek their winter quarters 

 principally in France and the north of Spain, whilst those occupying the coast of China appear 

 regularly in Southern India. In Great Britain the Pied Oyster-catchers are permanent residents, and 

 ncrer extend their flight to any great distance, but after the breeding season assemble in flocks, and in 

 winter betake themselves to estuaries and promontories. In April these flocks disperse in pairs, and 

 rove about the sandy beach in small parties. While searching for food they usually keep apart from 

 other birds, but are occasionally seen in company with the Curlew, Turnstone, and Redshank. At 

 high-water they retire to rocky headlands or similar places of safety, where they remain until the turn 

 of the tide has left their hunting-grounds again exposed. While reposing, according to Macgillivray, 

 the Sea Pies stand with their legs quite straight, or on one leg only, the other being drawn up ; the 

 body is held in a horizontal position ; the neck retracted ; the head either directed forward or with 

 the bill buried among the feathers of the back. In this attitude they present a very curious appearance 

 when seen in a high wind, as each bird directs its breast towards the quarter from which it blows. 

 On a sandy beach they often follow each other in long lines, or crouch to the ground. Their 

 flight is strong and steady, performed by regular beats of the extended wings, with the neck drawn 

 in, and the feet directed backwards. When going to sleep they rest on one leg only. Over the 

 surface of the sandy shore they run with great rapidity, and wade with ease in muddy places, their 

 short, flat-soled feet being well adapted for that purpose. During the period of incubation the Sea 

 Pies utter a great variety of pleasing notes, whilst at other times their cry is not particularly 

 agreeable. Of all the many feathered occupants of our shores, these birds are by far the most restless 

 and pugnacious, though apparently without malice. Towards all their larger companions they 

 exhibit an incessant desire to resent intrusion, and at once dart upon a bird of prey with loud 

 cries, and drive the unwelcome visitor away from the spot. Should no foreign foe appear, and thus 



