23 



LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 

 NUMENIUS LONGIBOSTRA. 

 [Plate LXIV.— Fig. 4.] 



Peaus's Museum, ^o. 3910. 



THIS American species has been considered by the naturalists 

 of Europe to be a mere variety of their own, notwithstanding its 

 difference of color, 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 corresponding 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 dexterous at probing 

 for, and pulling out of the 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 uplands in search of this fruit, 

 on which they get very fat, and are then tender and good eating, 

 altogether free from the sedgy taste with which their flesh is usually 

 tainted while they feed in the salt marshes. 



The Curlews fly high, generally in a wedge-like form, some- 

 what resembling certain Ducks; occasionally uttering their loud 

 whistling note, by a dexterous imitation of which a whole flock 



