262 THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA 
24. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Linne 
lim-ds'-a— L., limosus, marshy. 
distribution. Northern Europe and northern Asia, migrating 
southwards to northern Africa, India, Australia, and Tasmania; acci¬ 
dental to New Zealand. 
notes. Usually singly, in pairs, or very small flocks, arriving in 
Australia during October, departing in March or April, it frequents 
chiefly mud and sand-flats near the entrance of inlets or rivers and the 
margins of shallow salt marshes; it is generally in the company of the 
Bar-tailed Godwit—a species very similar to its black-tailed relative. 
The latter, however, has a more upright carriage, longer legs, and 
white lower rump. In habits and economy it resembles the Bar-tailed 
Godwit, but is much rarer than that species. 
nest. A depression in the grass. 
eggs. Four, pale olive-green to pale vellowish, covered all over with 
small spots of a more or less olive-brown, some markings on the 
larger end being of an indistinct olive-grey to reddish-grey. Breeding- 
season: June and July (northern Europe and northern Asia). 
25. Curlew Numenius cyanopus Vieillot 
Nti-men'-i-iis—Gk, numenios, kind of curlew, from Gk, neos, new; Gk, 
mcne, moon (i.e. shape of bill): cy’-an-o-pus-G k, cyanos, blue; Gk, pous 
(pus), foot. 
distribution. Eastern Siberia, migrating southwards to Australia 
and Tasmania; accidental to New Zealand. 
notes. Also called Sea-curlew, Australian Curlew, and Curlew- 
whelp. Usually in flocks, arriving in Australia during September, 
departing in March or April; odd birds, however, remain throughout 
the year. It frequents sea beaches or mud and sand-flats near the en¬ 
trance of inlets and rivers. At all times it is exceptionally timid and 
wary, generally keeping far out on the flats or beaches. Its call 
resembles “Ker-loo,” or “Kor-lew,” and is often uttered at night or 
when alarmed. Food: small crustaceans and worms. 
nest. A hollow scooped in the ground, untidily lined with grass 
or leaves, and placed among low bushes or rushes; generally high, 
open ground is selected as a nesting-site. 
eggs. Four, dull olive-green, blotched and spotted with greenish- 
brown markings. Breeding-season: June and July (eastern Siberia). 
26. Whimbrel Numenius phceopus Linn£ 
phce'-o-pus-G k, phaios, grey; Gk, pous (pus), foot. 
distribution. Northern Europe and northern Asia, migrating 
southwaids to Afnca, Australia, and Tasmania; accidental to New 
Zealand. 
notes. Also called Jack Curlew, Australian Whimbrel, and May- 
fowl. Usually in flocks, arriving in Australia during September or 
October, departing in March or April. It frequents sea beaches, mud 
