22* 



although a few may be met with on every stretch of sandy beach, it is nowhere very abundant. 

 Occasionally they are found in parties of six or more, but more generally in pairs, and sometimes 

 in association with the Black Oyster-catcher, which is a far more common bird. Like its Euro- 

 pean prototype, it subsists on small mollusks and crustaceans, for securing which its long wedge- 

 shaped mandibles are peculiarly adapted. Notwithstanding its ungainly form, the strongly con- 

 trasted black and white of its plumage and the bright red of its bill and feet render it an attrac- 

 tive object on the smooth sandy beach, where it may be observed sedately reposing on one leg, or 

 nimbly running to and fro in search of its prey left exposed on the beach by the receding tide. 

 During the nuptial season, it is curious to watch the male bird paying his addresses to the mate 

 of his choice ; elevating his back and lowering his bill till it nearly touches the ground, he struts 

 or runs round her with a loud quivering note, no doubt expressive of his undying attachment : 

 and when there are two rival males thus performing in concentric circles before the same shrine 

 of devotion, it is amusing to observe with what perfect indifference the object of this demonstra- 

 tion appears to receive the attentions of her rival suitors. When once, however, her affections 

 are secured, she appears to remain faithful to her mate, and the pair continue together, if not for 

 life, certainly long after the breeding season, with all its cares, has passed by. Even when con- 

 sorting together, as they frequently do, in small flocks, each pair seems to maintain its individua- 

 lity ; and when at rest on the sands, the party may be seen disposed in couples, at short distances 

 apart from the rest. 



The flight of this species is rapid ; and on the wing it repeatedly emits a shrill whistling cry. 



It breeds on the open sandy spits, or in the dry river-beds, forming its nest among the small 

 drift-wood and other debris of the sea, or rather selecting a suitable depression in which to 

 deposit its eggs; these are usually three in number, ovoid, measuring 2 -5 inches by 1*5, and pale 

 yellowish brown of a warm tint, marked over the entire surface with rounded spots and blotches 

 of blackish brown, among which are paler markings of purplish brown. The young are able to 

 run immediately on quitting the shell ; but on the approach of danger they secrete themselves by 

 squatting among the stones, to which their colour closely assimilates, while the parent birds resort 

 to various cunning devices for chawing away the intruder. 



