(Numenius longirostris)
The long-billed curlew, or sickle bill as it is often called, is a
plentiful resident in all suitable localities. The young birds mature
early and find their way to the marshes during August, when the season
for their killing should begin. At this time and even during the month
of September they are quite palatable, but later they become strong in
flavor. In these months they feed largely upon the seeds and insects
to be found on the plains, but later they confine themselves
principally to the marshes. They breed near the mountain lakes and
streams and even to considerable extent on the lower grounds. A glance
at the accompanying illustration will be sufficient to enable the
uninitiated to always know a curlew.
=Color=--Head, back of neck and back, dark brown, mottled with buff;
throat and under parts, pale buff, the feathers on the breast being
streaked with brown; axillars, reddish brown.
=Nest and Eggs=--The nest is usually made on the ground in tall grass
and back some distance from the marsh. The eggs are about four and of
an olive gray, spotted with brown.
=Measurements=--Total length, without the bill, which varies very
much, about 20 inches; wing, 9 to 11; bill, from four to eight inches,
and bent downwards, with nearly as much curve as a sickle; in most
specimens the bill will be about six inches in length.