OF BIRDS. 69 
Ginus 51. HAEMATOPUS. 
THe OYSTER-CATCHER, 
The beak is long, comprefled fideways, and wedges 
“thaped at the point. 
The tongue fcarcely one third the length of the bill. 
* The noftrils are narrow. 
‘ 
The feet formed for running, with three toes 
divided. 
i ae E Oyfter-catcher feeds upon fea~-worms, 
: oyfters, limpets, and other fhell-fith, which 
he picks up near the fea. He always confines 
himfelf to the fhore and the fand-banks that are 
uncovered, when the tide is out, and follows the 
€bb: and he never wanders far, cither from the 
land or from the rocks. 
_ Thefe birds are fometimes called Sea-pies, not 
i only becaufe their plumage is black and white, 
i? but becaufe, like the Magpye, they are continu- 
FR vally making a noife, efpecially when they are in 
flocks: this tharp and quick cry is repeated con- 
| : fantly, either when they are at reft, or when 
f they fly, 
Se a . The . 
$2079 
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