SHORE BIRDS 



[272.] European Golden Plover. 

 Charadrius apricarius. 



A European bird, similar to the next, casually 

 found in Greenland. 



It is a very abundant bird throughout Europe, 

 breeding in the northern parts. Its habits, nests 

 and eggs are the same as those of the American 

 bird. 



272. Golden Plover. 

 dominicus. 



Charadrius dominicus 



Range. — Whole of North America, breeding in 

 the Arctic regions and wintering south to Pata- 

 gonia. 



Black-bellied Plover. 

 Golden Plover. 



Greenish buff. 



This handsome bird is about the same size as 

 the Black-bellied Plover (10.5 inches long). No 

 hind toe. Back and tail mottled with black and 

 yellow; below, more or less entirely black to the 

 tail. Young and winter adults, more or less spot- 

 ted with yellow and blackish-brown above, and 

 grayish-white below, with indistinct streaks on the breast. Often confused with 

 the last species in this plumage, but is smaller, bill smaller and more slender, 

 and the axillars, or feathers nearest the body, under the wings, are gray while 

 those of the Black-bellied Plover are black. This species is now regarded as 

 rare on the North Atlantic coast during migrations, while in the interior it is 

 more abundant than the last species. They do not seem to be as suspicious as 

 the Black-bellies, and a flock will often allow a close approach, even when they 

 see you. They nest abundantly along the coast and islands of the Arctic Ocean. 

 The four eggs are very similar to those of the preceding, but smaller. Size 1.90 

 X 1.30. Data. — Peel River, Arctic America, June 1, 1898. Nest of grasses and 

 leaves on the ground in the moss. 



272a. Pacific Golden Plover. Charadrius dominicus fulvus. 



Range. — An Asiatic species, breeding in northern Asia and on the islands 

 and coast of Asia. Very like the preceding, but more golden color on the back 

 and wings. Nesting and eggs the same. 



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