LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 
45 
its difference of colour, and superior length of bill. These 
differences not being accidental, or found in a few individuals, 
but common to all, and none being found in America corre- 
sponding 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 Septem- 
ber, 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 bramble-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- 
migratory sea and water-fowl. During my occasional residence on the Solway, 
for some years past, in the month of August, these birds, with many others, were 
the objects of observation. They retired regularly inland after their favourite 
feeding places were covered. A long and narrow ledge of rocks runs into the 
Frith, behind which we used to lie concealed, for the purpose of getting shots at 
various sea-fowl returning at ebb. None were so regular as the curlew. The 
more aquatic were near the sea, and could perceive the gradual reflux; the cur- 
lews were far inland, but as soon as we could perceive the top of a sharp rock 
standing above water, we were sure to perceive the first fiocks leave the land, 
thus keeping pace regularly with the change of the tides. They fiy in a direct 
line to their feeding grounds, and often in a wedge shape ; on alarm, a simul- 
taneous cry is uttered, and the next coming flock turns from its course, utter- 
ing in repetition the same alarm note. In a few days they become so wary, as 
not to fly over the concealed station. They are one of the most difficult birds 
to approach, except during spring, but may be enticed by imitating their whistle. 
—Ed. 
