314 
THE OYSTER- CATCHER 
it is difficult to rouse them, as they run very swiftly, and 
will not rise, if they can avoid it. 
The fifth and last genus consists of Oyster- Catchers, or 
Sea-Pies, from the black and white plumage of our British 
species hearing some resemblance to that of the Magpie. 
They live by the sea- side, feeding on marine insects, for 
which they may he seen actively searching at low water. 
Their name of Oyster-Catcher is also derived from their 
Oys ter^C ateliers 
expertness in extracting the oyster, which, however, can he 
done only when the shell is open, and not even then without 
great caution ; for instances have been known of the unfor- 
tunate bird being made prisoner by the oyster closing upon 
its beak. 
Its eggs are laid on the hare ground, for the nest, if it 
deserves to he so called, consists only of small shingle and 
