GENUS 71. NUMENIUS, CURLEW. 
SPECIES 1. N. LONGIROSTRIS. 
LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 
[Plate LXIV.— Fig. 4.] 
Peale’s Museum, JVo. 3910. 
This American species has been considered by the naturalists 
of Europe to be a mere variety of their own, notwithstanding 
its difference of colour, and superior length of bill. These dif- 
ferences not being accidental, or found in a few individuals, but 
common to all, and none being found in America corresponding 
with that of Europe, we do not hesitate to consider the present 
as a distinct species, peculiar to this country. 
Like the preceding, this bird is an inhabitant of marshes in 
the vicinity of the sea. It is also found in the interior; where, 
from its long bill and loud whistling note, it is generally known. 
The Curlews appear in the salt marshes of New Jersey about 
the middle of May, on their way to the north ; and in September, 
on their return from their breeding places. Their food consists 
chiefly of small crabs, which they are very dexterous at probing 
for, and pulling out of the holes with their long bills; they also 
feed on those small sea snails so abundant in the marshes, and 
on various worms and insects. They are likewise fond of bram- 
ble berries, frequenting the fields and uplands in search of this 
fruit, on which they get very fat, and are then tender and good 
eating, altogether free from the sedgy taste with which their 
flesh is usually tainted while they feed in the salt marshes. 
The Curlews fly high, generally in a wedge-like form, some- 
what resembling certain Ducks; occasionally uttering their loud 
whistling note, by a dexterous imitation of which a whole flock 
may sometimes be enticed within gunshot, while the cries of 
