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THE WHIMBREL. 
The Whimbrel {Numenius j'fhccopus), sometimes called 
the Little or Half Curlew, Tangwliaap, Mayfowl, Curlew 
Jack, in all respects, except size, very closely resembles 
the preceding species ; its length seldom exceeds twenty 
inches. It is to be met with in spring, and the early part of 
summer, along the coasts of Britain, and again in autumn. 
WHIMBKEL. 
Some state that it remains in diminished numbers through- 
out the winter. Dr. Fleming affirms that it breeds in 
Shetland, and others have found the nest in Orkney and 
others of the Scottish isles ; the eggs are described as four 
in number, of a dark olive brown colour, blotched with 
darker broAvn, pear shaped, and measuring two inches five 
lines in length. 
IVIacgillivray says of these birds, that ^ they keep by 
themselves in flocks of from three or four, to twenty, not 
associating even with the Curlews, which also frequent the 
pastures, searching exclusively the sandy pasture grounds, 
showing no preference for wet places, and never betaking 
themselves to the fords or pools, although occasionally they 
may be seen in damp places. When on the wing they 
display the white part of the back conspicuously, and have 
a beautiful appearance/ 
