THE CURLEWS. 
3 = 7 
Mr. 1 ). G. Elliot writes; — When feeding about in such 
large flocks, they keep up a constant low chattering noise, 
as if indulging in an uninterrupted flow of conversation. 
'J’hey frequent the open flats in the vicinity of the sea- 
shore, feed on insects, worms, &c., and are shy birds, and 
in the autumn become very fat, and their flesh is highly 
esteemed. It is known as Doe Bird, Futes, Small Curlew, &c. 
It flies with great rapidity, is easily alarmed and difficult to 
approach, unless when feeding quietly among other waders ; 
but is more readily shot when flying to and from its feeding- 
grounds, when, if one stations himself on their route, as they 
gentially pass at no great height, many can be secured. In 
Labrador this Curlew is seen in flocks of various sizes; some- 
times several thousands of the birds are gathered together, and 
their flight is swiftly performed by regular beat of the wing.=, 
and they often execute many beautiful evolutions, frequently 
massing together in compact ranks. On .alighting, the wings 
are raised over the back, as is the habit of many Snipes and 
Plovers, and then folded carefully and with deliberation into 
the accustomed place. The note is a soft, clear whistle, and 
the birds come readily to the gunner (if he can imitate their 
call cleverly), dropping the legs and curving the wings as they 
sail unsuspectingly to the decoys. They feed on grasshoppers, 
berries of various kinds, and small snails, which they detach 
from the rocks. 
Mr. E. W. Nelson writes : — “ Small flocks of this Curlew 
will follow a single Hudsonian Curlew all over the country in 
the same manner as smaller species of Snipe will follow one of a 
larger kind.” Ho im.agines that it is on account of the superior 
watchfulness of the larger bird, and that a greater degree of 
protection is thereby secured. 
Nest. — Merely a depression in the ground, lined with a few 
decayed leaves and dried grass. 
Eggs. — Four in number. The solitary specimen in the 
British Museum, is of a light olive-brown, with distinct grey 
underlying spots distributed over its surface, the overlying 
spots being brown and chiefly congregated about the larger 
end, where some of them are confluent. Axis, 2 '25 inches; 
diam, 1-55. 
