14 SC0L0PAC1D.E, 



remain to breed, for, according to Mr. Selby, the young have 

 been seen on the borders of Loch Awe in July, and an adult 

 specimen which was shot in Scotland in the month of May 

 came into that gentleman's possession. We also know of a 

 specimen having been shot on the Thames in the month of 

 June, near Walton, in Surrey. 



The food of the Greenshank consists of aquatic worms and 

 insects, and also of small fish that are found in pools of shallow 

 water, and small crustaceous animals, which it looks for on 

 the water's edge or in shallow pools. This species prefers 

 feeding-places that are situated in open ground, where it can 

 keep at a proper distance from its enemies ; for which reason 

 it is rarely found in wooded and sheltered parts » yet it has 

 been seen perched on the branch of a tree in some few 

 instances. On the Continent this species occurs more fre- 

 quently than in corresponding latitudes in our country, the 

 nature of many parts of Europe being better adapted to its 

 habits than our islands. Still water it prefers at all times to 

 rapid streams, resembling in that respect others of its family; 

 consequently, a black, muddy flat under shelter of the bank 

 of a river, or a ridge of this soft foundation that extends far 

 out on the river or lake, is the most likely spot in which to 

 meet with this bird ; but sand banks or flats do not seem 

 to furnish it with food, since it is not seen to alight upon 

 or frequent them. During its search for food it proceeds 

 quietly about with its body in a horizontal direction ; it also 

 wades very frequently to the full extent of its long legs, 

 and in case of need swims and dives in a perfect manner, 

 opening its wings under water, and thus pushing along 

 with great rapidity. 



In flying, the Greenshank does not extend its wings 

 fully, but beats the air in regular and quick succession ; 

 its head and legs are then thrust out at full length, and 

 consequently form a straight line. On alighting it generally 



