224 THE BIRD WATCHER 
Iam convinced myselfgghat the dance of three peewits, 
as described by Mr. Hudson in The Naturalist in 
La Plata, has had some such origin as this. What 
one wants, in order to arrive at the real nature of the 
latter, is a number of detailed descriptions, instead of 
a mere general one, never in my opinion of much 
value in such matters. Pains, also, should be taken 
to ascertain the sexes of each of the three birds that 
takes a part in the show. 
Another nuptial sport or play which these birds in- 
dulge in belongs to air—where, indeed, they pipe as 
strongly and easily as upon the ground. This that 
I speak of, however, appeals in an equal degree to the 
eye and ear. Two birds pursue each other closely, 
mounting all the while in a steep slant, till, having 
gained some elevation, both turn at an acute angle, 
and descend in the same manner, in a reversed direc- 
tion, thus tracing the shape of a pyramid. Having 
completed the air-drawn figure, they immediately re- 
produce it, and thus they continue on quickly vibrat- 
ing wings—now upwards, far above the cliff-line, now 
downwards, almost to the sea—piping the whole time 
in the fullest-throated way. Even in a small and 
sober-suited bird such a performance might attract at- 
tention. How much more here where, to the boot of 
the large size of the two artistes, and the noise they 
make, the boldly contrasted black and white of their 
plumage, the deep rose-red of the bill, and pale rose- 
pink of the legs, give it a very lovely appearance. 
For myself, I have seen few things more striking. 
