264 



BIRDS. 



due to the employment of its feathers in the manufacture 

 of artificial flies. The crown of this bird is very dark, and 

 there is a white curved line behind the eye, as well as a 

 white band, somewhat indistinct, on the chest. It has the 

 reputation of being a very stupid bird. Its food consists 

 of insects. In Ireland its occurrence is exceedingly rare. 

 It breeds up in the mountains, the eggs being laid in a 

 depression in the grass. Eggs, 3, i/4 inch ; yellowish, 

 with brown blotches. 



The Peewit, or Green Plover, is easily distinguished by 



its black crest and breast, the underparts being 



white. It is found almost throughout these 



islands, and its curious flight and shrill cry are familiar, 



more particularly on the mud flats near the sea, in April 

 after it has paired. Perfectly white lapwings have been re- 

 corded. This bird is commonly included among the food of 

 the peregrine, but I was recently witness of the interesting 



