AVES. 131 



306. Pluviamis agyptius. (Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 254.) Egyptian 

 Plover. 



This Plover, sometimes called the Crocodile Bird, very rarely straggles 

 far from the Nile, along the whole course of which it is found. It only 

 accidentally visits Palestine. Mr. Herschell shot on the Jordan a specimen 

 which I have seen. 



307. Hoploptcnis spiuosiis. (Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 256.) Spur-winged 

 Plover. Arab., ,3LJI~», Zikzak. 



The Zikzak returns from the south just as the other Plovers are 

 leaving, and vociferously proclaims its arrival in all the pools and marshy 

 spots. It remains in pairs by streams and in litde morasses, and seldom 

 strays far from its selected home. 



The Spur-winged Plover is a native of North-eastern Africa, oc- 

 casionally reaching Greece and Asia Minor. Its range is thus very 

 limited. 



308. Vanellus vulgaris. Bechst. Orn. Tasch., p. 313. Lapwing. 

 The Lapwing is plentiful in flocks on the coast plains in winter, and I 



have shot a straggler by the Dead Sea. 



It is a native of Northern Europe and Asia, descending in winter 

 as far as North Africa and Northern China, but not crossing the 

 Himalayas. 



FAMILY, SCOLOPACID.^. 



309. Recurvirostra avocctta. Linn. Syst. Nat. i., p. 256. Avocet. 

 The Avocet is scarce in Palestine, and resorts to the few shallow 



lakes. A few may often be seen near the north end of the Lake of 

 Galilee. 



It is found in Central and Southern Europe and Asia, and through the 

 whole of Africa. 



310. Himantopiis caiididus. Bonn. Encycl. Meth., p. 24. Black- 

 winged Stilt. 



The Stilt is not unfrequent in lagoons and shallow waters throughout 

 the year. I found a colony breeding in a swamp near Jenin. 



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