264 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



most of thcin forming a zone round the larger end of 

 the egg. Average measurement, 22 inches in length, 

 by r5 inch in breadth. Incubation, performed by the 

 female, lasts from twenty-three to twenty-four days. 



Diagnostic characters : The eggs of the Oyster- 

 catcher are very characteristic, and as a rule cannot 

 easily be confused with those of any other species 

 breeding in our islands. Some varieties rather closely 

 approach certain types of the eggs of the Stone Curlew, 

 but they are larger, and the spots are always darker and 

 more clearly defined. The breeding-grounds of the two 

 species are also very different. 



Family CHARADRIID.^. . Genus TOTANUS. 



Sub-family TOTANINAi. 



RUFF. 



TOTANUS PUGNAX {LilllUCUS). 



Single Brooded. Laying season, end of May and early June. 



British breeding area : The Ruff formerly bred 

 commonly in many parts of England, but since the 

 reclamation of so much marsh land it has become very 

 restricted in its distribution. Doubtless incessant perse- 

 cution by gunners and collectors has had considerable 

 influence in exterminating the Ruff from our shores, 

 and the day is probably not far distant when it will 

 cease to breed within their limits. Ten years ago a 

 female was shot from her nest in Lincolnshire ! A 

 few pairs still continue to breed, or attempt to do so, 

 in Norfolk. 



Breeding habits : The Ruff is a summer migrant to 

 the British Islands, reaching them towards the end of 



