22 SCOLOPACID.E. 



considerably. The situations most suitable to this bird are 

 the borders of lakes, ponds, and extensive watery flats : the 

 banks of rivers or the sea-coast are only its resting-place for 

 want of other more suitable spots. On the borders of the 

 Caspian Sea and the extensive boggy flats in Hungary, where 

 large beds of rushes abound, several pairs breed annually : it 

 is thus evident that still water invites this species more than 

 currents or rapids. 



The general appearance of the Black-winged Stilt is so 

 different from that of all other British birds, that it can hardly 

 be possible not to notice it whenever it shews itself on the 

 ground. In the first place, the pure black, and white of its 

 feathering distinguish it, but especially its long red legs, 

 which latter have no match in proportion to the size of the 

 bird. Its manner of walking is also remarkable enough, 

 owing to its long legs, and it needs no great extent of 

 imagination to think at what a swift rate it can walk if urged 

 so to do : nevertheless, the stilts or long legs of this species 

 appear not merely intended for the purpose of accelerating 

 its speed by land, but principally for wading to a great distance 

 in the water, where it may be seen standing perfectly still, 

 while it catches the flying insects, which hover over the surface, 

 with an astonishing ease and certainty. When the bird flies 

 at no great height it shews its long slender legs to great 

 advantage, as they are carried straight out behind. The body 

 itself is very small and slender ; its wings are much bent down 

 in its flight, and the neck not much extended, with the beak 

 pointing downwards. Its flight is not quick, but steady and 

 regular. During the time of migration it often flies at a 

 great elevation. 



The Black-winged Stilt is less shy than any other of its 

 family, but, nevertheless, not to be approached within gun- 

 shot in an open situation : it does not squat or hide among 

 flaos or rushes. 



