244 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



these birds are not known to differ from allied species, 

 being very tame and confiding, and often displaying 

 alluring antics. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Gray Phalarope are four in number. 

 They are pyriform in shape, smooth in texture, and 

 pale buff with an olive tinge in ground colour, blotched 

 and spotted with rich dark brown, and with underlying 

 markings of pale brown. The surface markings are 

 generally large and boldly defined, the underlying ones 

 few and indistinct. As usual most of the blotches are 

 on the larger end of the ^%g, and for the most part 

 confluent. Average measurement, r25 inch in length, 

 by -Zj inch in breadth. Incubation is performed by the 

 male, but the duration of the period is unknown : it is 

 probably about three weeks. 



Diagnostic characters : The eggs of the Gray 

 Phalarope may be distinguished from those of the Red- 

 necked Phalarope by their much larger size. They 

 closely resemble those of Wilson's Phalarope ; but the 

 breeding areas of the two species are distinct, the locality 

 of the eggs being quite sufficient to identify them. 



