BLACK-TAILED 60DWIT. 25 



GR A LLA TORES. SCOLOPA CIDJE. 



PLATE CLXXXVII. 



BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. 



LIMOSA MELANURA. 



The periodical occurrence of the Black-tailed Godwit is not 

 uncommon in Britain ; it visits us in the spring of the year, 

 on its passage to more northern climes, where it breeds in 

 greater numbers, and appears again in the autumn, on its 

 return to pass the winter in the southern countries of Europe 

 and Asia. The geographical distribution of this species ex- 

 tends pretty generally over Europe, Asia, and Africa, although 

 it is found more plentifully in some countries than in others, 

 and appears to give the preference to those that are situated 

 nearest the sea ; consequently, it is met with in most parts 

 of Great Britain, where it also remains to breed in localities 

 suitable to its habits. In central Europe it is least numerous, 

 and in some places rare. 



The locality preferred by the present species is extensive 

 flats of moist, and boggy ground, intersected with ditches, 

 canals, and swamps ; it is very rarely seen on a shingle or sand 

 bottom. Low meadows, with rank grass or aquatic vegetation, 

 only a few inches in height, and thinly covering the ground, 

 the Godwit frequents by choice, where it maybe seen busy 

 in pursuit of its vocation, namely, seeking its food. The 

 reason assigned for these birds frequenting such barren 



VOL. V. D 



