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PLOVERS AND SANDPIPERS. 93 
is then found on the coasts of Europe, Southern 
Asia, Mexico, and Central America. Like the 
preceding species it is thoroughly marine in its 
choice of a haunt, but does not appear to wander for 
such great distances from land. It is just as tame 
and confiding, just as social in summer, and as 
gregarious in winter. It swims equally as well 
and buoyantly, with the same peculiar bobbing 
motion; whilst on the land it is able to run and 
walk with ease. It exhibits the same reluctance 
to take wing, preferring to retreat from danger by 
swimming, although it flies on occasion quickly 
and well. Its food is very similar, and its note 
is a shrill but rather low wee¢ As Professor 
Newton has remarked, both this and the préceding 
species of Phalarope are entrancingly interesting 
in their habits. ‘Their graceful form, their lively 
colouration, and the confidence with which both are 
familiarly displayed in their breeding-quarters can 
hardly be exaggerated, and it is equally a delightful 
sight to watch these birds gathering their food in 
the high-running surf, or, when that is done, 
peacefully floating outside the breakers.”* 
So far as concerns Scotland, the breeding season 
of the Red-necked Phalarope commences in May, 
but in more Arctic localities it is deferred until 
several weeks later. It returns with unerring 
regularity to the old accustomed spots to rear 
* Dictionary of Birds, p. 712. 
