348 
TELL-TALE GODWIT, OR SNIPE. 
the Ducks with their loud and shrill whistle, on the first 
glimpse of the gunner’s approach. Of the two, the present 
species is by far the most watchful ; and its whistle, which 
consists of four notes rapidly repeated, is so loud, shrill, and 
alarming, as instantly to arouse every Duck within its hearing, 
and thus disappoints the eager expectations of the marksman. 
Yet the cunning and experience of the latter are frequently 
more than a match for all of them ; and, before the poor Tell- 
tale is aware, his warning voice is hushed for ever, and his 
dead body mingled with those of his associates. 
This bird arrives on our coast early in April, breeds in the 
marshes, and continues until November, about the middle of 
which month it generally moves off to the south. The nest, 
I have been informed, is built in a tuft of thick grass, generally 
on the borders of a bog or morass. The female, it is said, lays 
four eggs of a dingy white, irregularly marked with black. 
These birds appear to be unknown in Europe. They are 
simply mentioned by Mr Pennant as having been observed in 
autumn, feeding on the sands on the lower part of Chatteaux 
Bay, continually nodding their heads ; and were called there 
Stone Curlews.* 
The Tell-tale seldom flies in large flocks, at least during 
summer. It delights in watery bogs, and the muddy margins 
of creeks and inlets ; is either seen searching about for food, 
or standing in a watchful posture, alternately raising and 
Why Wilson, who was aware of this, should have changed the name, we are 
at a loss to conceive. Mr Ord was, therefore, right in restoring it.” 
The species has not been discovered out of North America, and will take 
the place in that country of the European Greenshank. 
Totanus is a genus of Bechstein, now generally acknowledged as the proper 
place for the Sandpipers of this form. Many of them do not undergo so 
decided a change during the breeding season, breed more inland, and, during 
winter, are as frequently found on the banks of rivers and lakes, or in inland 
marshes, as upon the shores. They are extremely noisy when first disturbed ; 
a single individual readily gives the note of alarm, and, when their nests are 
approached, they display more of the habit of the Plovers. — Ed. 
* Arctic Zoology , p. 468. 
