Shore-bird Shooting 499 



bird appear, the two often ran together, uttering 

 harsh, clattering notes. Their appearance both 

 on the ground and flying was unique, the pale 

 green of the wings and purplish chestnut of the 

 body with bright orange helmet and wing spurs 

 being very conspicuous. The difference between 

 the immature and adult plumage is striking, and 

 the young bird would scarce be recognized of the 

 same variety except for the characteristic habits 

 and bad manners. Repeatedly I noticed the im- 

 mature birds in pairs, and it seemed probable that 

 the full dress is not assumed until after the second 

 year. The jacana constructs a nest of grass, 

 woven in such a way that it floats, if occasion 

 requires. The eggs are peculiarly streaked with 

 dark, irregular lines, well suited to an odd bird. 



