and a half long-, slender, and curving ; irides dark ; legs 
and feet long and slender. Colour of the sexes alike. 
This species resembles the Common Curlew in every 
respect excepting size ; like which it is generally met with 
on the sea coasts, or in the vicinity of extensive waters, 
feeding on worms, slugs, and the like. The Whimbrel 
is less numerous than the Curlew, usually associating in 
small flocks ; its cry is not so loud as that of the other 
species, nor so frequently heard ; its flight is more rapid, 
but not so long continued. 
On many parts of our coasts it is met with during the 
autumn and winter, but is supposed to return northward to 
breed. It is often sent to the London markets with other 
wild fowl, from the fenny countries, where it is sold under 
the name of Jack Curlew. Its flesh, like that of the 
Curlew, is variously flavoured, according to the situation 
it frequents, and the food it consumes ; those from the sea 
coasts being often rank and flshy, whilst those from inland 
places are well flavoured. We have met with varieties 
in the markets almost plain coloured, and in one instance 
nearly white. 
May be easily tamed, and will destroy worms, slugs, and 
insects, when suffered to be abroad in a garden ; and 
thouah its bill is slender it readily devours the gardeq 
s|iail entire. 
