152 GAME BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. 



become very fat in the fall and are generally very fair eating, but 

 often a fishy flavor is present which detracts from their table 

 merit. 



j^gialitis Wihonkis. — Cassin. Wilson's Plover. 



This is a sea coast species common as far north as New Eng- 

 land, and sometimes further. Color : pale ash brown running into 

 fulvous on the neck, black bar in the crown, a broad belt across the 

 throat, no bright ring about the eye, legs flesh color, bill dark, large 

 and stout. These birds are seen mingling with the numerous va- 

 rieties of bay birds found along our coasts, and as the tide recedes 

 they follow it to pick up the shells and insects stranded by the 

 falling waters. 



Mgialitis semipalmatus.— Bon. Semipalmated Plover. Ring-neck. 



North America, common. This bird resembles the Killdeer 

 closely in color, but in size is about one-third as large as tiie 

 former. It also has the bright orange eyelid wanting in vociferns. 



The " Ring-necks " abound everywhere in great numbers, and 

 are found upon sandy beaches and muddy flats, in loose straggling 

 parties of from five to six to a dozen or more, and frequently with 

 the Semipalmated and Bonaparte's Sand-pipers. They scatter 

 widely apart while searching for food, running swiftly and grace- 

 fully over the sand with head lowered. They are at such times 

 usually silent, except when disturbed, when they utter a clear mel- 

 low whistle on taking flight. They are tame, and when surprised, 

 run but a few yards, and then stand perfectly still. The young run 

 about as soon as hatched. Birds of the year may at all times be 

 distinguished from the adults by the black of the bands being re- 

 placed by dull dirty ash. 



yEgialitis melodies. — Bon. Piping Plover. Ring- Plover. 



Eastern and Middle States common, resembles the last, but 

 paler in color, as hypredominating, also lacking the semipalmation. 

 They are found associated with various beach birds and sand-pip- 

 ers ; they become exceedingly fat during the latter part of the 

 summer. 



