SCOLOPACIDJE — THE SNIPE FAMILY — LIMOSA. 
southern region. In August they had become more numerous ; and about the time 
of his leaving he saw them daily in the lagoon. 
Dr. Cooper states that this species is common through nearly all the year along 
the southern half of the Californian coast ; and it seemed to him probable that it 
breeds within or near the limits of that State, as the young make their appearance, 
fully fledged, near San Pedro in July, and remain until the 20tli of May, if not later. 
According to Giraud it arrives in the month of May on the sea-coast of Long 
Island, where it is well known to the sportsmen both as the Marlin and as the Great 
Marbled Godwit. It visits that locality regularly every spring and autumn, but never 
in abundance. It associates in flocks, and usually passes its time on the shoals and 
salt-marshes, being exceedingly watchful, and not permitting a near approach ; yet 
whenever any one of its number is wounded, its associates hover around it and utter 
loud and shrill cries. On such an occasion they crowd together and offer an excellent 
opportunity for the hunter to secure others. Pelican Bar is said to be a favorable 
place for procuring this species. Giraud adds that its flesh is tender and juicy, and 
that it is highly prized as a game-bird by epicures. 
This Curlew is not common in Massachusetts, it being much less frequently met 
with than the smaller species. A few are seen both in their spring migrations and in 
the fall, in the more easterly portions of Barnstable County. Mr. Boardman informs 
us that it is found at Grand Menan late in the summer and during its migrations 
southward. 
Wilson, who only observed this bird on the shore of New Jersey, regarded it 
as exclusively migratory, coming in May and returning in October and November, 
a few lingering into June. They were known to hunters as the Bed Curlew and 
the Straight-billed Curlew. He characterizes it as shy, cautious, and watchful, yet 
so strongly attached to its companions, that when one in a flock is wounded, the rest 
are immediately arrested in their flight, making so many circuits over the spot where 
it lies fluttering and screaming, that the sportsman often makes great destruction 
among them. This bird may be enticed within shot by imitating its whistle, but 
can seldom be otherwise approached. It is found usually among the salt-marshes, 
and in the fall is very fat. 
Nuttall ventured the conjecture — since verified — that some of this species may yet 
be found to breed in more temperate regions to the West, as well as at the North. In 
his day this species is said to have appeared about the middle of August in the salt- 
marshes of Massachusetts, particularly towards the eastern extremity, around Chatham 
and the Vineyard, their stay being very short. It may be that he mistook for this 
the Hudsonian, which in some seasons is very abundant on this coast. At present, 
at least, it is only an occasional visitant, though said in Nuttall’s time to assemble in 
flocks of many hundreds. Verrill speaks of it as rare on the coast of Maine, and it 
is not given by Boardman in his List of the Birds of Calais, although he has since 
been informed that it probably breeds in Prince Edward’s Island. 
Mr. Audubon met with this species in Florida, during winter, on all the large 
muddy flats of the coast. It was generally seen in flocks of five or six, in company 
with several other kinds of Waders. Few birds are found more shy or vigilant; 
but when in large flocks they may occasionally be approached and killed in large 
numbers. On the last of May, 1832, he saw, on an extensive mud-bar about six miles 
south of Cape Sable, an immense flock of these birds, amounting to some thousands 
in number. Four or five shots enabled him to obtain all he desired. Those killed 
were plump and excellent eating. The next morning the whole flock had moved north. 
This bird has a regular and quick flight, and when migrating usually moves in 
vol. i. — 33 
