346 



GEALLATOEES, OE WADING BIEDS. 



and tapering towards the point, which is rather depressed, and 

 slightly curved upwards. 



These birds inhabit the JSTorth of Europe, and in the autumn 

 regularly visit France, and the English coast from Cornwall to 

 the north-east extremity of Scotland. They make their nests in 

 meadows near ^ the sea, among the grass and rushes, and lay 

 four^ eggs, very large in proportion to the size of the bird. 

 Their flesh is much esteemed, and, with the exception of that of 



Kg. 133.— Godwits (Limosa melanura, Temm.). 



the •Woodcock and Snipe, is undeniably the best among the. 

 group of Waders that frequent our coast. 



The male Godwit is always smaller than the female. Two 

 species of this bird are known— the Black-tailed Godwit {Limosa 

 mgocephala), and the Barred-tailed Godwit {Limosa rufa). 



The Curlew {Numenius), Fig. 134, is remarkable for the im- 

 moderate length of its bill, which is slender, curved, and round 

 from end to end. Its wings are medium-sized, and tail short. 

 Its plumage is a mixture of grey, russet, brown, and white. It 

 derives its name from the plaintive, melancholy cry which it 

 utters when it takes flight. 



These birds frequent the sea-coast and the vicinity of marshes, 

 feeding on worms, water-insects, and small mollusks. They 



