357. Grey Plover. Sqiiatarola helvetica (Linnaeus). 



Not uncommon during the spring and autumn migrations 

 on the coasts and on the shores of the Lakes in Northern Egypt. 

 A few remain throughout the winter. 



Length about 12 inches. Winter plumage, upper parts 

 ashy brown ; lower parts white faintly marked with dusky ; 

 axillaries black. In the summer the upper parts are blackish 

 spangled with yellowish white ; a white line over the eye ; under 

 parts glossy black. In August and September adults are to be 

 met with in Egypt which still retain most of their summer 

 plumage. The grey plover may always be distinguished from 

 the golden plover by its black axillaries, which are especially 

 noticeable in flight. This species has a small hind toe, and that 

 feature is lacking in the golden plover. 



358. Geoffroy's Plover. Mgialitis geoffroyi (Wagler). 



jEgialitis geoffroyi. Shelley, p. 238. 



Abundant during the early autumn on the sea coasts, 

 where it probably spends the winter. In December I have found 

 it several times near the Giza pyramids. Although I have no 

 proof, I believe that a few pairs breed in the country. 



Length about 8 inches. Winter plumage, upper parts, 

 hair brown ; forehead and under parts white ; a pale brown 

 collar across the fore neck. Summer plumage, a black band 

 behind the white forehead ; lores and ear coverts black ; pec- 

 toral band pale orange. Young birds have the feathers of the 

 upper parts edged with yeUomsh bufi. 



359. The Caspian Plover. Mgialitis asiatica (Pallas). 



Eudromias asiaticus. Shelley, p. 237. 



This species has been recorded from Egypt, but I have not 

 met with it myself. 



Length about 7 J inches. Upper parts amber brown with 

 a tinge of sandy buff on the forehead, cheek, and hind neck. 

 Under parts white with a pale brown band on the fore neck. In 

 summer plumage the cheeks and throat are white, and there is 

 a broad band of bright chestnut across the breast with a narrow 

 black band immediately below. 



360. Kittlitz Sand Plover. jEgialitis pecuaria (Temminck). 



JEgialitis pecuarius. Shelley, p. 239. 

 Resident and, in suitable localities, not uncommon. It 

 breeds in March and the eggs are covered with sand by the 

 sitting bird. 



