THE OYSTER CATCHER. 171 
the beauty of which is especially exhibited when 
on wing. Similar in the colours of its apparel 
to the ivory-billed woodpecker, the snowy hue 
of the lower portions is rendered more effective 
from the brilliant tints of its coral bill, and the 
transparent whiteness of its wings, with the 
blended jets of their tips, altogether present a 
most striking combination. Its flight, swift and 
graceful, is also powerful and sustained, some- 
times accompanied also by the most extraordi- 
nary evolutions. When in groups they pass 
impetuously, wheeling; then, suddenly check- 
ing their course, return, not low over the sur- 
face of the water as before, but soaring high. 
Then forming themselves into ranks, presenting 
a broad front, in a moment, as though alarmed, 
again they close, and dive towards the sands or 
the waves. Should they be aimed at then, the 
shot generally strikes more than one, but the 
rest, as soon as aware of danger, meet in a 
straggling line, and are soon out of sight or 
reach, Vigilant and timid, this bird is con- 
stantly on the alert. Should it perceive any 
one watching it, immediately it sends forth a 
loud, shrill cry of alarm, and on being ap- 
proached, flies entirely out of view. Thus the 
only means of observing its habits, Audubon 
found, was in the use of the telescope. When 
quietly pursuing its oceupations, it is observed 
