210 HISTORY OF THE 



and breast, frequently more or less mixed with black; many spots of the upper 

 parts dull ashy white; other spots, especially on the rump, golden yellow. 



" Specimens vary in the relative amount of the black and golden on the upper 

 parts, in the width of the white on the forehead, and other details of coloration." 



Iris dark brown; bill and claws black; legs and feet dark slate. 



This well-known species is very abundant in the United States 

 during migration, from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains, 

 but rare on the Pacific side south of Alaska. Their natui-al 

 home is upon the seacoast, frequenting occasionally marshy or 

 wet grounds, but as a rule prefer the sandy beach and adjacent 

 flats and uplands; they are seldom found far inland, except dur- 

 ing migration. At such times their flights, especially in the 

 spring, are hurried, direct, and in the night, only stopping to 

 rest and feed during the day; returning in a more leisurely man- 

 ner and largely along the sea shore. When upon the ground 

 these birds usually run about on straight or unbended legs, with 

 their bodies in a horizontal position and heads drawn down 

 close to the body; while sleeping or resting, usually sit down or 

 stand on one leg. 



In flight they are swift and strong, sweeping over the prairies 

 in a compact, wavy form, at times skimming close to the ground, 

 then high in air, an ever-changing, circling course, whistling as 

 they go; and on alighting raise their wings until the tips nearly 

 touch, then slowly fold them back, a habit which is quite com- 

 mon with them as they move about on the ground. 



Their food consists of grasshoppers, beetles and many forms 

 of insect life, snails, Crustacea, etc. ; small berries also help to 

 make up their diet. 



The following full and interesting description of their nesting 

 habits, eggs, etc., is taken from Mr. Nelson's "Report upon 

 Natural History Collections in Alaska:" 



"About the middle of May this beautiful Plover reaches the 

 vicinity of Saint Michael' s. The earliest record I have, for the 

 Territory, is May 13th, spechnens in my possession having been 



