LONG-BILLED CURLEW. + 551 
dental, or found in a few individuals, but common to all, aK: none being 
found in America-corresponding with that of Europe, we dc ‘ot hesitate 
to consider the present as a distinct species, peculiar to this country. 
Like the preceding, this bird is an inhabitant of marshes in the vi- 
cinity of the sea. It is also found in the interior, where, from its long 
bill, and loud, whistling note, it is generally known, ; 
The Curlews appear in the salt marshes of New Jersey about the 
middle of May, on their way to the north, and in September, on their 
return from their breeding places. Their food consists chiefly of 
small crabs, which they are very dexterous at probing for, and pulling 
out of the holes with their long bills; they also feed on those small 
sea-snails so abundant in the marshes, and on various worms and in- 
sects. They are likewise fond of bramble-berries, frequenting the 
fields and uplands in search of this fruit, on which they get’ very fat, 
and are then tender and good eating, altogether free from the sed, 
taste with which their flesh is usually tainted while they feed in the 
salt marshes. ; 
The Curlews fly high, generally in a wedge-like form, somewhat 
resembling certain Ducks, occasionally uttering their loud, whistling 
note, by a dexterous imitation of which a whole flock may sometimes 
be enticed within gun-shot, while the cries of the wounded are sure 
to detain them until the gunner has made repeated shots and preat 
havock among them. 
This species is said to breed in Labrador, and in the neighborhood 
of Hudson’s Bay. A few instances have been known of one or two 
pairs remaining in the salt marshes of Cape May all summer. A per- 
son of respectability informed me, that he once started a Curlew from 
her nest, which was composed of a little dry grass, and contained four 
eggs, very much resembling, in size and color, those of the Mud Hen, 
or Clapper Rail. This was in the month of July. Cases of this kind 
are so rare, that the northern regions must be considered as the gen- 
eral breeding place of this species. 
spot, and are for a long time difficult to raise; a pointer will stand and road them, 
and at this time they are tender and well flavored. By autumn, they are nearly all 
dispersed to the sea-coasts, and have now lost their clear whistle. They remain 
here until the next spring, feeding at low tide on the shore, and retiring for a few 
miles to inland fields at high water}; on their return again at the ebb, they show a 
remarkable instance of the instinctive knowledge implanted in, and most conspicuous 
in the migratory sea and water-fowl. During my occasional residence on the Sol- 
way, for some years past, in the month of August, these birds, with many others, 
were the objects of observation. They retired regularly inland after their favorite 
feeding places were covered. A long and narrow ledge of rocks runs into the 
Frith, chind which we used-to lie concealed, for the purpose of getting shots at 
various sea-fowl returning at ebb. None were so regular as the Curlew. ‘The more 
aquatic were near the sea, and could perceive the gradual reflux ; the Curlews were 
far inland, but as soon as we could perceive the top of a sharp rock standing above 
water, we were sure to perceive the first flocks leave the land, thus keeping pace 
regularly with the change of the tides. They fly in a direct line to their feedin, 
grounds, and often in a wedge shape; on alarm, a simultaneous ery is uttered, an 
the next coming flock turns from its course, uttering:in repetition the same alarm 
note. In afew days they become so wary, as not to fly over the concealed station. 
They are one of the most difficult birds to approach, except during spring, but may 
be enticed by imitating their whistle. —Ep. 
