DOTTEREL 



75 



Dotterel (^^o-ialitis ^^^^^ ^^^^ dotterel (a name apparently having the 

 morinella) same signification as dotard) we reach a species in 



which both sexes assume in summer a full breed- 

 ing-plumage ; and on this ground it has been referred to a genus by 

 itself with the title of Eiidromias iiiorinelhis. As stated above, such a 

 separation seems, however, to be quite unnecessary, seeing that species 

 like the Kentish plover, in which the change is only partial and con- 

 fined to the male sex, connect it in this respect with the ringed plover, 

 in which there is none. 



The dotterel has a wide range in Europe and northern Asia, 

 where it extends in the breeding-season to the tundras of eastern 

 Siberia, nesting also 

 in northern Russia, 

 and Xovaia Zemlia, 

 as well as on the 

 high fells of Scan- 

 dinavia, certain of the 

 mountain ranges of 

 central Europe and 

 the hills of Cum- 

 berland, and thus 

 northwards through 

 Scotland, although 

 at the present day 

 in much diminished 

 numbers. In winter 

 it visits the Medi- dotterel 



terranean countries, 



inclusive of north-eastern Africa, as well as Persia, although unknown 

 in India. Its breeding-range in Great Britain appears to be limited 

 towards the south by the Cumberland hills ; in the western counties 

 of England it is rare, as it is in Wales, where, however, it is possible 

 the species may breed on some of the mountain-tops. To Ireland it 

 is a very rare visitor, chiefly during the autumn-migration. To the 

 British Islands the dotterel is a somewhat late visitor, usually arriving 

 towards the end of April or early in May, and departing early in 

 autumn, although a specimen has been killed late in November. 

 Although young birds may be shot on the coast during the autumn- 

 migration, this species, unlike the ring -plover, is an inland bird, 

 frequenting high elevations. 



Measuring 9 inches in length, and undergoing a complete double 



MOUNTED IN THE ROWLAND WARD STUDIOS 



