2 CHARADEIIDtE. 



above the sandy wastes, then gradually descending again .... It arrives at its 

 northern breeding-grounds in April, in very early seasons late in March, leaving 

 for the south in August and September. Its eggs are seldom laid before May, 

 often not until June. It makes very slight provision for them, merely scratching 

 a little hollow in the sand or shingle, which it treads into a very neat, round, 

 shallow basin, in which the eggs are laid without any lining. They are four in 

 number, pyriform in shape, pale buff in ground-colour, speckled and streaked with 

 surface-spots of dark and light brown, and with underlying markings of inky grey. 

 The spots are pretty evenly distributed over the surface, but are usually most 

 numerous on the large end. The eggs vary in length from 1-2 to 1'15 inch, and 

 in breadth from "9 to -85 inch. In the streaky nature of their markings the eggs 

 of this bird show an affinity with those of the Kentish Plover, but their lighter 

 colour, more delicate markings, and smaller size readily distinguish them. The 

 eggs are extremely difficult to find, owing to their resembling in colour the 

 surrounding objects. The bird does not sit very close — in fact, during the day, 

 if the weather be warm and fine, it does not sit on its eggs much, the sun 

 supplying them with sufficient warmth. When the young are hatched the old 

 birds often become very anxious for their safety, and will try to allure an intruder 

 away, or hover above his head, uttering their note incessantly until he takes his 

 departure." 



Mr. H. E. Dresser states that the measurements of eggs of this species in his 

 collection vary from 1-22 by -85 inch to 1-15 by -85 inch.* 



* 'History of the Birds of Europe,' vol. vii. p. 495. 



