THE WORLD'S BIRDS. i6l 



Thick- KNEES or Stone-plovers {(Edicnemidce). 



Diagnosis. — Plover-like birds, with stoiU hills, the 

 corner of the mouth reaching half-way to the eye, 

 and three toes all webbed at the base. 



Size. — Larger than most Plovers, from the size of a 

 jackdaw to that of a hen pheasant. 



Form. — Much as in Plovers, with large head and eyes, 

 the latter always some shade of yellow. Bill 

 stout, with corner of mouth half-way to eye ; feet 

 with long shanks, thickened at the hock, finely 

 scaled all round, with three short toes all webbed 

 at base ; wings large ; tail pointed, rather short. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Either light brown, 

 streaked or mottled with darker, or plain drab. 

 Flight feathers and side tail-quills boldly marked 

 black and white. No sex-difference or seasonal 

 change ; fledged young resembling adults. 



Young. — Stone-coloured, with small dark markings 

 above. First plumage as in adults. 



Eggs. — Two only ; relatively large, olive or brown, 

 with black markings. 



Incubation. — Between a fortnight and a month, 

 apparently. 



Courtship. — Probably the display mentioned below. 



Food. — Insects, worms, snails, small vertebrates. 



Gait. — A quick walk or run. 



Flight. — Not very fast, performed by continuously 

 repeated strokes of the wings. 



Note. — A whistle or shriek. 



Disposition and Habits. — ^They are shy, nocturnal, and 

 unsociable, being usually seen alone and in pairs. 

 They have a peculiar habit of rushing about with 

 wings and tail expanded at times, and when wishing 

 to hide, lie along the ground with outstretched 

 necks. 



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