THE PEEWIT, OR LAPWING. 219 



As the name " Peewit " has been given to the 

 bird from its peculiar note, so has the name " Lap- 

 wing" reference to its characteristic flight. 



Those who live in the country must have noticed 

 how appropriately both these names have been 

 applied. In some places the bird is known as the 

 " Green Plover " in spring, and the " Black Plover " 

 in winter. At the approach of the nesting season 

 the back and scapulars become of a dark but bright 

 metallic -green colour. In the winter this colour 

 becomes darker and duller, until at a little distance 

 it looks almost black. 



We know few sights more engaging than a flock 

 of Peewits on their breeding -ground, where the 

 eye is pleased with their graceful actions and curious 

 evolutions on the wing, while the ear is charmed 

 with their strange, long-drawn notes. Happy the 

 man who lives near the resort of these birds, and 

 who, listening to " nature's sweet sounds," can hear 

 amid the well-known caw of the Rook and the 

 gentle murmuring of the Wood-pigeon, the plaintive 

 cry of " Pee- wit." 



