405 



appear to range as far north as Siberia. De Filippi met with it between Tabriz and Kazvin ; 

 Major St. John says that it is not uncommon about Bushire, but it was never seen on the 

 plateau ; and Mr. Blanford thinks it probable that it occurs also in Southern Persia. Mr. A. O. 

 Hume says that it is not uncommon in Sindh, where he met with it on several occasions in 

 rather open tamarisk jungle ; and Dr. Jerdon writes (B. of India, ii. p. 654) that the present 

 species " occurs in most parts of India down to the extreme south, frequenting bushy wilds, 

 cleared spots in jungle, low, stony, and jungly hills, also now and then patches of grass with 

 bushes interspersed, but generally in some retired and secluded spot. It is more rare in Lower 

 Bengal and in Malabar than in most other districts." Mr. Holdsworth says that it is common 

 in the north of Ceylon at all seasons, and he has also flushed it in the cinnamon-gardens at 

 Colombo. Dr. Severtzoff records it from Turkestan, where he states it is found during the 

 breeding-season. 



The present species frequents large open flat localities, especially desert sandy places where 

 there is no sign of cultivation ; for in meadow-land or cultivated fields it is seldom seen, nor does 

 it ever resort to mountainous or even hilly districts. Although it visits the water at least once a 

 day, usually in the evening, yet it not unfrequently inhabits places where, in order to reach the 

 nearest water, it has to traverse a considerable distance. During the day it is not often seen, as 

 it remains quiet, resorting to some spot where it is not likely to be disturbed; and during the 

 heat of the day it sleeps, squatting down on the ground or standing on one leg, and does not rouse 

 itself into activity until the dusk of the evening begins to creep on, when it gets uneasy, flies 

 hither and thither uttering its loud note, and commences to search after food with the greatest 

 activity. When the nights are clear, and the moon gives a tolerably good light, it remains on 

 the move throughout the whole night until sunrise. It is an exceedingly shy and watchful bird, 

 and never permits itself to be approached within gunshot-range, and appears to be fully aware of 

 the danger in permitting a man to approach it. It usually slips quietly away, running in a 

 crouching position ; and only when ■ it has put a considerable distance between itself and the 

 intruder does it take wing ; but sometimes it will squat down, and trust to the similarity of its 

 colours to those of the soil to escape observation. Owing also to the nature of the country it 

 frequents, and its keen sight, it is able to note the approach of an intruder from afar, and loses 

 no time in taking measures for safety. It appears usually to go in pairs, and, unless during 

 passage, it is seldom, if ever, seen in flocks or small companies ; nor does it affect the society of 

 other birds. Its walk somewhat resembles that of the Bustard, but is lighter and easier ; and it 

 can run with great swiftness. Its flight does not at all resemble that of the Sandpiper, but 

 looks far heavier — though it is comparatively much lighter than that of the Bustard. When on 

 the wing it draws its neck in, and its heavy head and comparatively long tail and long legs 

 render it easily recognizable. 



Its cry is loud and shrill, distantly resembling that of the Curlew ; but it lacks the clear 

 flute-like portion that renders the cry of that bird by no means disagreeable or inharmonious. 

 During clear still nights the note of the Stone-Curlew sounds very loud and clear, and may be 

 heard at a considerable distance. 



The food of the present species consists of worms, insects and insect-larvae, and snails. In 

 the early morning and late in the evening it visits the meadows, and especially places where 



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