LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 
JVUMEJVim LONGIROSTRIS. 
[Plate LXIV.— Fig. 4.] 
Numenius arquata, var. A, Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 710, No. \.—-Gen. Syn. Ill, p. 120, variety. 
Peale’s Museum, No. 3910. 
THIS American species has been considered by the naturalists 
of Europe to be a mere variety of their own, notwithstanding its 
difference of color, 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 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 Avay to tlie 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 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 whicli 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 tlmir loud 
whistling note, by a dexterous imitation of which a whole flock 
