2252 PLOVERS, SANDPIPERS, SNIPE, JACANAS, GULLS 



behind it; "then all three, keeping step, begin a rapid, uttering, resonant drum- 

 ming note, in time with their movements, the notes of the pair behind being emitted 

 in a stream, like a drum roll, while the leader utters loud single notes at regular 

 intervals. The march ceases; the leader elevates his wings and stands erect and mo- 

 tionless, still uttering loud notes, while the other two, with puffed-out plumage and 

 standing exactly abreast, stoop forward and downward until the tips of their beaks 

 touch the ground, and, sinking their rhythmical voices to a murmur, remain for 

 some time in this posture. The performance is then over, and the visitor goes back 

 to his own ground and mate, to receive a visitor himself later on." For the truth - 



EGYPTIAN SPUR-WINGED I,APWING. 



(One-third natural size.) 



fulness of these observations the present writer can vouch from personal experience. 

 On the pampas these lapwings are a perfect nuisance, dashing up during the breed- 

 ing season almost into the face of the traveler, and then suddenly wheeling off with 

 a sudden swoop, at the same time giving vent to their harsh and monotonous cry of 

 teru-teru. This extreme boldness, and perfect fearlessness of man, is however, as 

 was long ago remarked by Darwin, characteristic of most of the birds of the Argen- 

 tine pampas. 



Of the three-toed lapwings, among which there are some species with a wing 

 spur and others without the same, while the presence of a crest is likewise incon- 



