262 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



large or pronounced. Average measurement, i'4 inch 

 in length, by ro inch in breadth. Incubation, performed 

 by both sexes, lasts from twenty-one to twenty-three 

 days. 



Diagnostic characters : The eggs of the Ringed 

 Plover cannot easily be confused with those of any other 

 species breeding in our islands, the small, nearly black 

 markings (spots) being very characteristic. 



Family CIIARADRIID/E. Genus H^.matopus. 



Sub-family TOTANIN^E. 



OYSTERCATCHER. 



H^MATOPUS OSTRALEGUS, LilUUeuS. 



Single Brooded. Laying season, May and June. 



British breeding area : The Oystcrcatcher, south 

 of Yorkshire and Lancashire, is a somewhat local bird 

 during the breeding season, but north of those localities 

 it becomes much more common, and nests on all parts 

 of the Scottish coasts suited to its requirements, includ- 

 ing the Orkneys and Shetlands, the Hebrides, and St. 

 Kilda. In Scotland it also breeds in many inland 

 districts in the courses of the rivers and on the banks of 

 various lochs. It is also widely and generally distributed 

 throughout the coasts of Ireland. 



Breeding habits : The Oystercatcher is a resident 

 in our islands, but many birds leave the more north- 

 ern localities during winter, and its numbers are also 

 increased at that season by individuals from the Con- 

 tinent. The favourite breeding-grounds of this species are 

 stretches of rough pebbles, shingly beaches, low islands, 



