112 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



was Struck by the contrast between the black wing feathers and 

 the rich buff upper parts when it rose. The axillaries and under 

 wing-coverts are black and show in flight. This bird, which 

 reminded Mr. Alexander in some ways of the Golden Plover, 

 allowed a near approach, running some distance in front of him, 

 and only taking wing when he was about twenty yards away. 

 All the information about the more recent records, with this one 

 exception, refer to the appearance of the bird after death. 



IMost of the visits of the Courser have been in autumn and 

 winter, between September and December, but there are two 

 recent records, one for February, the other for May. In each 

 case a pair in summer dress were obtained. If there is no 

 error about the facts — that the birds were seen in the flesh is 

 not absolute proof— what is the excuse for the slaughter ? Why 

 may a man shoot birds which, so far as any one can tell, might 

 nest ? Collectors could prevent this destruction if they would 

 refuse to buy from shooters who are ever on the look-out for 

 victims, and sometimes victimise the purchaser. 



On the nape of the adult Cream-coloured Courser is a slate- 

 blue patch, and the back of the head has a line of black. 

 Below this is a while streak passing from above the eye down 

 the side of the neck, and from the eye to the nape a blackish 

 line. The young bird has the eye streak buff, and the breast 

 and back marked with wavy brown lines. The bill is dark 

 brown, the legs creamy or dull white, and the iriaes brown. 

 Lengih, 9 ins. Wing, 6*3 ins. Tarsus, 2*25 ins. 



Family GLAREOLID.E. Pratincoles. 



Bill short and curved ; wings long ; legs long ; hind toe 

 present, middle and outer toes connected. 



