198 SCOLOPACIP.E. 



regions, it remains there only a short part of the year; thus, 

 we see the Whinibrel Curlew migrating northward in May, 

 and again returning south in July and August ; rarely so 

 late as September. When the present species migrates, 

 whether in larger or smaller numbers, the flock flies very 

 high and in the manner of wild geese, headed by one, and 

 following in two rows like the letter V reversed. 



Like the Curlew the present species is partial to those sea- 

 shores where the sands extend far and wide at low water, 

 particularly where small patches of sand or islands are formed 

 by the receding waters. Where grassy banks join these 

 sands the Whinibrel* Curlew is particularly fond of alighting, 

 and only leaves such spots during the hours when high tide 

 covers the ground ; retiring for the time inland : and it seems 

 to be so well acquainted with the precise time of the tides, 

 that it returns to the shore the moment any spot becomes 

 again visible. During the breeding season the present species 

 retires from the sea-shore to the borders of inland seas or 

 banks of rivers, and seeks those dry spots where golden 

 plovers abound, namely, short pasture lands, grass fields, open 

 moors, and even high wastes. During this time of the year 

 it only returns to the water for the purpose of bathing and 

 drinking, but passes the night in the before-named dry 

 localities. At all times the Whinibrel avoids trees and 

 bushes ; and during its breeding time alone it is occasionally 

 seen perched on some knoll or low stump of a decayed 

 willow. 



The habits and manners of the present species resemble 

 those of the Curlew so much, that to say more on the subject 

 would only be repeating the same history. We may add, 

 however, as a known fact, that the Whinibrel Curlew shews 

 a marked restlessness before rainy weather or an approaching 



