l66 CHARADRIID^E I PLOVERS. 



other set of four from the same source average more 

 elongated, the most pointed one being 2.30 long by 1.45 

 broad ; the markings are much more evenly distributed 

 over the whole egg, are smaller, and tending to a con- 

 fused, scratchy pattern, as well as rather lighter in tone. 

 A third set of four from Franklin Bay are intermediate 

 between the other two in these respects, though most 

 like the first described. 



GOLDEN PLOVER. 



CHARADRIUS DOMINICUS Mull. 



Chars* Plumage of the upper parts speckled, and of the under parts 

 in the breeding season black, as in the last described species ; 

 but much of the speckling golden yellow, and the rump and 

 upper tail-coverts like the back ; forehead and broad line over 

 the eye to nape, white ; tail-feathers grayish-brown, with imper- 

 fect white or ashy bars ; axillars, gray or ashy. At other times, 

 under parts much the same as in last species. No hind toe. 

 Length, 10.00-11.00; extent, 20.00; wing, 7.00 or less; tail, 

 under 3.00; bill, i.oo or less; tarsus, 1.65; middle toe and 

 claw, 1. 10. 



The Golden Plover is even better known to the gun- 

 ners than the last, being during the migrations more abun- 

 dant and generally distributed. It has a number of local 

 names, some of them applied both to this species and 

 the Black-bellied Plover, by those who do not discrim- 

 inate between these generically distinct birds. The 

 general habits of the two are counterpart. The Golden 

 Plover appears during the latter part of April, making 

 but a flying visit, and it is then off for its favorite breed- 

 ing grounds in the far north. In the return movement 

 some birds come by the latter part of August ; their 



