T E R E K GOD WIT.
Limosa Terek, Temvn.
L a Barge Terek.
In figuring this bird as an occasional visitant o f the continent o f Europe we are entirely guided by our friend
M. Temminck, who has not only forwarded us a specimen to figure from, but in a letter accompanying it
states that an example has been killed in Normandy; and on comparing the European-killed specimen with
others from Borneo and Japan, no difference exists between them. The specimen forwarded to us is in its
winter plumage, which is here represented, and which gives place to a mottled and spotted plumage during
the spring and summer, particularly on the upper surface, where the markings are larger and assume a
lanceolate form. Although we have followed M. Temminck in placing this elegant species with the God-
wits, we are not fully persuaded that its situation is natural. We ourselves, notwithstanding the upward
curvature o f the bill, are inclined to believe it to be'nearly allied to the true Tringas, or Sandpipers; but
as an acquaintance with its habits, manners, general economy, and mode o f flight would alone enable us to
confirm our opinion respecting its natural situation, we leave it where it has been placed by M. Temminck.
The head, back and sides o f the neck, all the upper surface, and tail pale brown with a fine line o f a darker
tint down the centre of each feather; shoulders and primaries dark brown, with the shaft o f the first quill
white; secondaries, chin, front o f the neck, and all the under surface pure white; sides of the upper mandible
and base o f the lower yellow; the remainder o f the bill dark brown; legs and feet yellow.
The figure is o f the natural size.