172 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



central tail feathers, are greyish brown ; the quills 

 are dark brown, with white shafts to the primaries 

 and concealed white bases to the innermost ; the 

 innermost secondaries are also margined witli 

 white ; the remaining tail feathers are white. The 

 general colom- of the under parts is white, except a 

 black patch on each side of the chest. The female 

 resembles the male in colour, but the black on the 

 fore crown is wanting ; the breast patches are 

 brown, and the buff on the head is not so extensive 

 or rich in tint. In winter the buff is entirely 

 wanting from both sexes ; young birds resemble 

 adults in winter plumage, but the dark feathers 

 have pale margins. The total length of this Plover 

 is between six and seven inches. It may be dis- 

 tinguished at all ages not only by its white nuchal 

 collar, but by its interrupted pectoral band and 

 black legs. 



