^GIALITIS HIATICOLA 299 



^GIALITIS HIATICOLA (LinnEeus). 

 EINGED PLOVER. 



Charadrius hiaticula, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 253 (1766) ; Malherbe, Cat. 



Bais. d'Ois. Alg. p. 20 (1846) ; Loche, Expl. Sci. Alg. Ois. ii, p. 266 



(1867). 

 ^glalitis hiaticula, Bote, Isis, 1822, p. 558 ; Whitaker, Ibis, 1895, p. 



106 ; Erlangei; J. f. 0. 1900, p. 59. 

 .ffigialites hiaticula, Eoenig, J. f. 0. 1888, p. 270 ; id. J. f. 0. 1893, 



p. 84. 

 ^gialitis hiaticola, Sharpe, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus. xxiv, p. 256. 



Description. — Adult male, spring, from North Tunisia. 



Differs from ^. dubia in its larger size, and slightly darker coloration, 

 and in having the shafts of all the primary quills white in the middle. 



Iris dark brown; bill black at the tip, and orange-j ellow at the base; 

 feet orange-yellow. 



Total length 7 inches, wing 5, culmen -70, tarsus 1-10. 



Adult female resembles the male, but is duller in colouring, and has 

 little or no black in its plumage. 



The Kinged Plover is abundant in Tunisia in winter, and during 

 the periods of migration, and, according to Blanc, is also resident 

 and breeds in tlie Regency. It is to be met with in winter in the 

 southern districts as well as further north, and on some of the lakes, 

 as well as on the sea-coast. According to Loche, it is fairly common 

 in Algeria, particularly on migration, and breeds in limited numbers 

 in that country. The species is to be met with in Marocco during 

 the winter and on passage. 



The Einged Plover chiefly frequents the sea-coast, but may 

 occasionally be found some distance inland. It is generally to be 

 found in small flocks, and in pairs during the breeding season. It is 

 sociable and gregarious, and will often, when on the ground, consort 

 with other species of waders. Like its congeners it is very bright 

 and active, and runs with amazing swiftness. On the wing the 

 species is also very swift, and often goes through a series of aerial 

 evolutions, most interesting to watch. Its food consists chiefly of 

 small marine animals and insects, and a certain quantity of fine 

 gravel appears to be swallowed by the bird, presumably to assist 

 digestion. Its notes are varied, being softer and more plaintive in 

 spring, and harsher in winter. 



