374 



GEALLAT0EE9, OR WADING BIEDS. 



hovering over the retiring water, alternately advancing and re- 

 treating with the waves. As their toes are united at the base by 

 a web or membrane, they enjoy the faculty of resting on the 



Tin-. U(j.— Ctaiama [Pahuni^dcu cristnta, Gmelin). 



water, although they do not actually swim. They utilise this 

 power in allo^ving themselves, everj^ now and then, to be carried 

 on the waves to some distance from the shore. They 6.y well, and 

 can run with the greatest ease. Numerous flocks of them arc found 

 ou almost every sea-coast on the globe, making the neighbourhood 

 ring with their shrill cries. 



In the breeding season thoy pair off; the hen birds lav from 

 two to four eggs, either in holes carelessly scratched out on the 

 strand or in cletts of the rocks, or sometimes in marshy meadows 

 some distance from the shore. 



