BIRDS HUNTED FOR FOOD OR SPORT. 



331 



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Fig. 18. — First primary and axillarg of Hudsonian Curlew 

 (after Cory). Note barring of the inner web of primary. 



History. 



In this species, which is practically the only Curlew now 

 left to us, we have a peculiar instance of the survival of the 

 fittest. While probably decreasing in numbers, apparently it is 

 holding its own in many localities, and even increasing in 

 recent years. This increase may be more apparent than real, 

 for as time goes on, and birds become fewer, our standards 

 change, and the Hud- 

 sonian Curlew, which 

 once was regarded as 

 uncommon for a Cur- 

 lew when compared at 

 that time with the 

 abundance of the other 

 large shore birds, is 

 considered now as 

 common locally, when contrasted with the present scarcity 

 of the other species. It is probable that the extinction of the 

 Eskimo Curlew has provided more nesting places and more 

 food for the Hudsonian Curlew and that recently it has begun 

 to increase locally, and is now occupying some of the northern 

 breeding and feeding grounds formerly in possession of the 

 smaller species. 



The following quotations, abridged from standard authors, 

 seem more or less contradictory, and show that there is some 

 question regarding the status of the species: Arrives in large 

 flocks on the coast of New Jersey early in May; few seen in 

 June; some in July (Wilson, 1813). On island in Piscataqua, 

 near Plymouth, N. H., dense flock, covering several acres 

 (Nuttall, 1834). Plentiful spring and autumn (Turnbull, 

 eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 1869). Rare in New 

 England (Samuels, 1870). Rare in the migrations (Maynard, 

 eastern Massachusetts, 1870). Appears much less abundant 

 in United States than either of the others; according to all 

 observers, rare in New England (Coues, 1874). Rare migrant 

 spring and fall (J. A. Allen, Massachusetts, 1879). Abundant 

 every year in Massachusetts in fall; barren birds found on 



