1901. 



Patten. — The Grey Phalarope. 65 



protected when hatching than the female would be were she 

 to take on the duties of incubation. The difference in the 

 plumage is not distinct enough. In both sexes the pattern of 

 the plumage {i.e., the markings) is the same ; it is simply more 

 intensified in the female. Again, the parts of the hatching 

 bird which catch its enemies' eye are the back and head, for 

 the breast is for the most part hidden from view. Now in 

 both the male and female Grey Phalarope the upper parts of 

 the breeding plumage (feathers of the forehead, crown, and 

 back), are brownish black, the back feathers bordered with 

 buff. These in themselves are most protective colours, 

 harmonising with the natural surroundings of "spongy peat 

 and moss " where the eggs are laid. Indeed with the exception 

 of a white patch on the cheek, the female Phalarope in nuptial 

 plumage is anything but a conspicuous bird. The under parts 

 (feathers of the breast, side of neck, and abdomen) are reddish 

 chestnut in the t nuptial plumage and duller in the male, but 

 even if they were brighter they would not be noticed if the 

 bird were hatching. To complete the description of the 

 nuptial plumage I should mention that the wings and tail are 

 blackish, the lesser wing coverts being margined with white. 

 The bill is yellow with a black tip. The legs, toes, and lobed 

 webs are also yellow. 



Winter plumage. — In winter the breast and abdomen have 

 become white ; the top of the head and forehead also white 

 Behind each eye is a black streak and another at the back of 

 the head. The back of the neck, the back, and most of the 

 wings a beautiful pearl grey resembling the back of an adult 

 Common Gull. The smaller wing coverts are grey edged with 

 white. The flight feathers of the wings are black, the large 

 tail feathers (rectrices) brownish grey margined with white. 

 The bill is very dark brown. 



Any specimens of Grey Phalaropes which have been obtained 

 on the Irish coast that I have .seen displayed the transition 

 plumage from autumn to winter or the full winter plumage. 

 Through the kindness of Dr. Scharff I have had the opportunity 

 of looking over the entire collection of skins and stuffed 

 specimens in the National Museum, Dublin. Space will not 

 permit me to describe each .specimen as fully as I should like 

 to have done, but the following brief and tabulated account 



M 



