74 



BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



base of the beak, over the eye, down behind the ear- 

 coverts, which are ash-coloured, as also are the neck 

 and back. Wings ash-brown, except quills, which 

 are ash-grey. Tail olive-brown tipped with white ; 

 chin white ; throat and sides of neck grey. A 

 white gorget-like band, bordered on either side 

 by a dark line, runs across the breast and ends at 

 each shoulder. Breast pale, dull orange ; belly 



black ; vent and under tail- 

 coverts white, slightly tinged 

 with buff. Legs and toes 

 greenish-yellow ; claws black. 

 The female is a trifle 

 larger, and more handsomely 

 marked and coloured. It 

 has been stated that the 

 male assists the female in 

 the work of incubation. The 

 bird figured in our illustra- 

 tion appeared to do all the 

 work, and whenever his mate 

 approached within a certain 

 distance he rushed at her like a winged fury. She 

 invariably ducked and escaped the intended blow, 

 but was ultimately chased right away from the 

 neighbourhood of the nest. These observations 

 extended over the best part of two days, and I 

 saw two or three other females by themselves on 

 mountain tops, where I have no doubt they had 

 sitting mates. 



Situation and Locality. On the ground amongst 

 woolly-fringe moss, short heather, lichens, and 

 other coarse mountain vegetation, on high, wild 

 moorland districts and lonely mountains of Scotland. 

 It used to breed in the Lake District, but during 



COMMON DOTTEREL GOING 

 ON TO EGGS. 



