244 SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



fully noted all the changes of plumage which they 

 underwent, and the peculiarities of habit which they 

 displayed. His interesting remarks on the subject 

 should be read in extenso by every naturalist. 



The male birds, as the name Machetes implies, 

 are extremely pugnacious, and this is especially the 

 case at the commencement of the breeding season 

 when the birds are pairing. Two Ruffs will then 

 contend for the possession of a Reeve, and with 

 heads lowered, frill distended, and wings trailing 

 the ground, they rush at one another again and 

 again, like game-cocks, leaping and striking with 

 the bill, until one or other is forced to yield. Having 

 paired and selected a spot for the nest, they build 

 not unlike a Snipe, and in much the same situations, 

 generally choosing the middle of a tussock or clump 

 of sedge. Here they lay four eggs of an oil-green 

 colour, blotched, chiefly at the larger end, with liver 

 brown. In size and shape the eggs are equal to 

 those of the Redshank, but may be distinguished as 

 follows : the Redshank's egg looks as if it were 

 painted in water-colour, has a lighter ground-colour, 

 and smaller markings on it. The Reeve's egg has 

 a more oily look and feel, the texture is smoother, 





