320 THE PLOVERS 



northernmost recorded locality (cf. Nelson, B. of Yorks., 1907, p. 576). The Kentish- 

 plover is also an uncommon visitor as far west as Cornwall, and an extremely rare 

 one to the east coast of Ireland. Gregarious : the autumn flocks are composed of 

 both old and young birds, and Waders of other species are frequently consorted 

 with. [A. L. T.] 



4. Nest and Eggs. In Kent the nest is merely a scrape in fairly fine 

 shingle, interspersed with a scanty growth of long, thin grass. On the Continent 

 it is found on shingle-beds, but generally where there are patches of sand, on heaps 

 of sandy mud or seaweed, on depressions in old cattle-droppings, or even on short 

 grass at the edge of mud flats. It is quite common to find the eggs buried point 

 downwards in sand with only the tops showing. There is nearly always a tendency 

 to make use of a slightly elevated site. Sometimes a few bents or broken twigs 

 and stalks serve as apology for a lining. (PI. LIT.) The share of the sexes in nest- 

 making seems not to be recorded. The eggs are typically 3 in number, sometimes 

 only 2, and 4 have been recorded on rare occasions. Dr. Ticehurst (Birds of 

 Kent, p. 424) brings forward some evidence that five young have been reared 

 by one pair. In ground-colour the eggs vary from light stone colour to deep 

 brownish ochreous, and are covered with characteristic streaks and scrolls as 

 well as spots. The colour of the shell from within is also a much deeper green 

 than that of the ringed-plover. A rare erythristic variety has occurred in 

 Hungary. (PI. K.) Average size of 70 eggs, l-26x-91 in. [32-2x23-5 mm.]. 

 Both male and female share in incubation, but in fine weather the eggs are left for 

 long periods exposed to the sun. The period seems not to have been exactly 

 ascertained, but judging from the analogy of the ringed-plover, Naumann's state- 

 ment that the young are hatched in 15-17 days is probably much below the mark, 

 and incubation probably lasts at least three weeks. In the Mediterranean region 

 eggs may be found by mid-April, but in Kent they are very rarely found before 

 May, and often not till the second or third week in the month. Probably only a 

 single brood is reared as a rule, but where much harassed, eggs may be found up 

 to August. [F. c. E. j.] 



5. Food. Various small marine forms, such as the smaller thin-skinned 

 crustaceans, tiny molluscs, and worms. Insects and their larvae and pupae. The 

 young feed chiefly on insects and their larvae, and are assisted in the search for food 

 by both parents, [w. F.] 



