Desceiptive List 145 



Genus Squatarola (Cuv.) 

 128. Squatarola squatarola {Linn.). Black-bellied Plover. 



Ads. in summer. — Upperparts black, bordered with white; tail white, barred with black; basal 

 half of inner web of primaries white; sides of head and neck and entire underparts, except white 

 lower belly and under tail-coverts, black. Juv. — Upperparts black, head and neck streaked, 

 back spotted with whitish or buffy yellow; tail and wings as in adult; underparts white, breast 

 and sides streaked with bro-miish gray. Ads. and Juv. in winter. — Similar to the preceding, but 

 upperparts brownish gray, hghtly margined with whitish. L., 11.00; W., 7.50; Tar., 1.90; B., 

 1.10. 



Remarks. — The rounded scales on the front of the tarsus and the presence of a fourth, although 

 very small, toe distinguish this bird. (Chap., Birds of E. N. A.) 



Range. — Nearly cosmopolitan. Breeds in the Arctic regions and on the Atlantic Coast of 

 America; winters from North Carohna to Brazil. 



Range in North Carolina. — Coastal region from late July to the end of May. 



Fig. 107. 

 Pig. 106. Bl.xck-bellied Plover. Foot of Bl.^ck-bellied 



Plover. 



This fine bird is found along our coast throughout the year, except possibly from 

 about the end of May to the latter part of July. A few immature birds probably 

 pass the summer on the coast. It is, however, most plentiful during the migrations. 



The Black-bellied Plover is an alert, .shy bird, and does not decoy with as much 

 unconcern as do many other beach-birds. Its large size and swift flight make it 

 a favorite among gunners. 



With us it is a Ijird of the tide-flats and beaches, and not found inland. Usually 

 congregated in small bunches, it follows the receding tide to feast on small marine 

 life. In moving from place to place the flocks are often compact, or in lines, and 

 the flight is strong and regular. 



Genus Charadrius (Linn.) 

 129. Charadrius dominicus dominicus {Mull.). Golden Plover. 



Ads. in, summer. — -Upperparts black, spotted and margined with golden yellow; tail brownish 

 gray, indistinctly barred; forehead, sides of head, neck, and breast white; rest of the underparts, 

 including cheeks, black; under wing-coverts ashy. Juv. — -Upperparts and tail fuscous, spotted or 

 ban'ed with whitish or yellow; underparts whitish, more or less streaked or barred with brownish 

 gray. Ads. and Juv. in winter. — Similar, but less streaked below and less spotted above. L., 

 10.50; W., 7.00; Tar., 1.60; B., .90. 



10 



