THE CURLEW. 



321 



of this bird are known — the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa cegocepkala, 

 Fig. 124) and the Barred- tailed Godwit (Limosa riifa). 



The Curlew (Numenius, Fig. 125), is remarkable for the immo- 

 derate length of its bill, which is slender, curved, and round from end 

 to end. Its wings are medium-sized, and tail short. Its plumage is 

 a mixture of grey, russet, brown, and white. It derives its name from 

 the plaintive melancholy cry which it utters when it takes flight. 



These Birds frequent the sea-coast and the vicinity of marshes 



Fig. 



-Curlew. 



feeding on worms, water insects, and small molluscs. They plunge 

 their bills into the ground, to a small portion of which they communi- 

 cate a vibratory movement ; the worms, disturbed in their subter- 

 ranean dwellings, come up to the surface, and are easily preyed upon. 

 The gait of the Curlews, generally speaking, is grave and mea- 

 sured ; but if disturbed previous to taking wing, they run with 

 astonishing rapidity. They are capable of prolonged flight, but do 

 not generally venture far into the interior of the country.* They 

 live together in numerous flocks, except during their breeding-time, 

 when they isolate themselves in order to build their nests, which 



* At certain seasons of the year they are to be found in great numbers in the 

 interior of North America. — Ed. 



V 



