21-2 BRITISH BIRDS' XESTS. 



stone colour, spotted with smallish and prett}^ 

 evenly distributed dots of black, blackish-brown, 

 and bluish-grey, which distinguish thern from those 

 of the Kentish Plover. Size about 1*4 by 1-0 in. 



Time. — April, May, and June, although eggs 

 have been found as early as March and as late as 

 August. 



Bemarl's. — Resident, but subject to much local 

 movement. Notes: alarm, pen-tj-et. Local and 

 other names : Sand Lark, Dull Willy, Sand Lav- 

 rock, Ringed Dotterel, Stonehatch. Does not sit 

 closely. Somewhat gregarious. Eggs harmonise 

 very closely with their surroundings. 



POCHARD. 



Descriptioi of Parent Birds. — Length about 

 nineteen inches. Bill of medium length, depressed 

 near the centre, black at the tip, pale blue in the 

 middle, and black at the base, which is slightly 

 raised. Irides red. Head and upper jiart of neck, 

 all round, deep chestnut, lower part of neck, all 

 round, black. Back, scapulars, tertials, and Aving- 

 coverts finely freckled with grey and dusky undu- 

 lating lines ; secondaries and primaries bluish-grey, 

 the former tijiped with white ^ and the latter ending 

 in dusky brown. Rump and upj^er tail-coverts 

 dusky black ; tail feathers dusky brown mixed 

 with grey. Breast, sides, and under-parts greyish- 

 white, marked by minute dusky lines, darkest on 

 the vent. Legs, toes, and webs leaden grey. 



The female differs considerably in appearance. 

 Her bill is black. Hides reddish-brown. Head 

 and upper part of necdv dull greyish-brown, lightest 

 in front ; lower portion of neck dusky brown. Upper- 



