440 LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 



its difference of colour and superior length of bill. These 

 differences not being accidental, or found in a few individuals) 

 but common to all, and none being found in America corre- 

 sponding with that of Europe, we do not hesitate to consider 

 the present as a distinct species peculiar to this country. 



Like the preceding, this bird is an inhabitant of marshes in 

 the vicinity of the sea. It is also found in the interior, where, 

 from its long bill and loud whistling note, it is generally 

 known. 



The curlews appear in the salt marshes of New Jersey 

 about the middle of May on their way to the north, and in 

 September on their return from their breeding places. Their 

 food consists chiefly of small crabs, which they are very dex- 

 terous at probing for, and pulling out of their holes with their 

 long bills ; they also feed on those small sea-snails so abundant 

 in the marshes, and on various worms and insects. They are 

 likewise fond of bramble-berries, frequenting the fields and 



flavoured. By autumn, they are nearly all dispersed to the sea-coasts, and 

 have now lost their clear whistle. They remain here until next spring, 

 feeding at low tide on the shore, and retiring for a few miles to inland fields 

 at high water ; on their return again at the ebb, they show a remarkable in- 

 stance of the instinctive knowledge implanted in and most conspicuous in 

 the migratory sea and water fowl. During my occasional residence on the 

 Solway, for some years past, in the month of August, these birds, with 

 many others, were the objects of observation. They retired regularly 

 inland after their favourite feeding-places were covered. A long and 

 narrow ledge of rocks runs into the Firth, behind which we used to lie 

 concealed for the purpose of getting shots at various sea-fowl returning 

 at ebb. None were so regular as the curlew. The more aquatic were 

 near the sea, and could perceive the gradual reflux ; the curlews were 

 far inland, but as soon as we could perceive the top of a sharp rock 

 standing above water, we were sure to perceive the first flocks leave the 

 land, thus keeping pace regularly with the change of the tides. They 

 fly in a direct line to their feeding grounds, and often in a wedge shape ; 

 on alarm, a simultaneous cry is uttered, and the next coming flock turns 

 from its course, uttering in repetition the same alarm note. In a few 

 days they became so wary as not to fly over the concealed station. 

 They are one of the most difficult birds to approach, except during 

 spring, but may be enticed by imitating their whistle. — Ed. 



