PLATE CXCVL 



Le Courlis. Buff. Q. p. I9.— P/. E71I 818. 

 Common Cuklew. Bv. Zool. 2. 176. f. 63. 



JVill. (Jngl.) p, Q^g4. t, 54. 



Jlbiu. 1. t, 79. 



Laik. Si/n, 5. p. \ ](). 1.— M Supplp. 24e. 



The Cyrlew ijihabits the raariliy parts of Europe and Aiia ; and 15.. 

 variety of the fpecies is is alfo found iii Africa and America. During 

 tlie fumnier feafon it migrates in flocks to the Northward,, and returns 

 again to th^ fonthward as the winter approaches. 



Thefe birds never leave Great Britain entirely, for although they mi- 

 grate in great numbers they are found in plenty at all feafons of the 

 year, both on our fea coafts and among the fens in the inland parts of 

 the kingdom. With us they breed in April ; the eggs are four in 

 number, and of a pale olive colour, with brownilh fpots. 



Tlie remarkable incurvate ftru6lure and difproportionate length o£ 

 ihe bill feeoi to indicate the habits of life thefe birds are deilined by 

 nature to purfue : tliofe which haunt our fea coafts are feen running 

 in flocks along the fhore in queft of worms and cruftaceous animals, 

 which they draw out of the fands and from the crevices of the rocks^, 

 by means of their elongated bill, with perfect eafe ; and in like manner 

 they readily obtain the worms, the larva of infects, and other creatures; 

 which inhabit the fens and marflies to which they retire when they re- 

 treat inland from the fea coaft. The fisfli of the Curlew is admired 

 generally : thofe which feed upon the fea coafts acquire a certain de- 

 gree of filhy ranknefs in flavour;, fi'om the nature of their food, which iaf 



mi 



