30 SCOLOPACID.E. 



swampy borders of seas, rivers, ditches, ponds, and lakes. 

 We are credibly informed by an eye-witness, that the num- 

 bers of this species that visit the western coast of Denmark 

 during the month of May, on their passage to the north, is 

 so great that it is impossible to give a numerical description 

 of them ; the islands between the mouth of the Elbe and the 

 west coast of Jutland are perfectly covered with them, and 

 at low water the shores are covered in parts to such an 

 extent that the eye cannot compass their lines. On the 

 eastern shores of Denmark it is remarkable how few are met 

 with, comparatively speaking. 



Small flocks are seen in the autumn on the borders of the 

 Rhine, Elbe, and Oder, but these consist chiefly of young birds. 

 The greater numbers being found on the sea-coast, where the 

 country is flat and marshy, prove the fact of their being 

 maritime birds. During high water, the Bar-tailed Godwits 

 retire to the neighbouring meadows and fens, where they 

 appear ever restless, looking out from time to time whether 

 the sea-water retires, and as soon as they become satisfied 

 that some land re-appears, they fly up in a body, and continue 

 to follow the receding waters together, in search of their 

 favourite food, which consists in the smaller worms and mari- 

 time insects and their larvae, minute beetles, and the smallest 

 shell-fish. 



The general appearance of the Bar-tailed Godwit is very 

 handsome ; its finely arched neck ; its moderately sized legs 

 and beak assist in producing a pleasing effect, while the body 

 is carried in a horizontal position. Its walk is steady and 

 graceful, to a greater extent than in any of the other Euro- 

 pean Godwits, but not quick, although it is Avell enabled to 

 run fast, if required to do so. When in the act of feeding, 

 this bird wades frequently up to its belly in the water, but 

 is never seen to swim or dive from inclination or free-will. 



