148 



THE WADING BIRDS OF NORTH CHINA. 



is believed that the dotterels fly from their winter resort in the south 

 to their breeding grounds in Arctic regions in one continuous flight, 

 without either rest or food. 



Closely allied to the plovers are the pratincoles, remarkable for 

 their swift swallow-like flight. One species (Glareola orientalis) is 

 very common in North China, especially round Tientsin, where it may 

 be seen in swarms flying over the reeds, chasing and catching the 

 grasshoppers and other insects. In appearance this bird is not unlike 

 the dotterel, though it has a short thick beak, wide mouth, very long 

 wings and a swallow tail. In colour it is of 1 a dark grey-brown on the 

 head, nape, back, wings and breast, shading off into white on the belly 

 and rump. The throat is fawn, bounded by a black line as in the 

 chukar, or red-legged partridge. The lower back and under wing 

 surface are chestnut. These graceful birds offer very sporting shots, but 

 the flesh, though without that coarse flavour, so often noticeable in 

 water birds, is slightly bitter. 



THE AVOCET (Recurvirostra avocetia). 



Next to the plovers come the avocets, represented in North China 

 by the common avocet (Recurvirostra avoceita). This is a most grace- 

 ful bird with pied plumage, long slender black legs, webbed feet and 

 a long thin beak with a strong upward curve. In size it, about equals 

 the lapwing, though it is of a very much more slender build. 



