240 
POPULAR HISTORY OF BIRDS. 
fond of wading in pools of water^ and frequently bathe 
themselves during the summer; they usually stand erect on 
their legs^ and run or walk with the body in a stiff horizon- 
tal position; they run with great swiftness^ and are also 
strong and vigorous in the wings; their flesh is eaten by 
some^ but is not in general esteem/^ During winter 
these birds^ as before observed^ descend the rivers to the 
sea-shore^ where they may be seen in small flocks of from 
ten to twelve ; at this time they are quiet^ and are not very 
easily approached. 
The Lapwings of India, like those of Europe and Aus- 
tralia^ have the same shrill cry, resembling ^^pee-wit/^ or 
^^did he do it?^^ and, like^'our pretty species, often annoy 
the sportsman^ by hovering about him, and thus attracting 
the attention of game birds to his presence in their haunts. 
Many of the lapwings have spines on their wings, and 
some are curiously wattled about the head; these species 
are found in hot climates, but do not seem to differ much 
in their habits from the other members of the family. The 
spine-winged species are well able to defend themselves and 
their young from the attacks of birds of prey or reptiles. 
The Oyster-catchers {HcEmatopus) form a well-marked 
* Jerdon on Vanellus Goensis, in ' Madras Journal/ vol. xii. p. 214. 
