562 THE KILLDEER. 



for the most part, beyond our limits, these birds pass the 

 middle districts on their way northward during the latter 

 half of April or early in May, at which time they have not 

 yet reached the perfect beauty of their summer attire. 

 They breed on the barren grounds of the far north and on 

 the islands of the Arctic Seas. Dr. Dall found them com- 

 mon along the Yukon. The 4 eggs, about 1.90 xl-37, are 

 pale brownish-clay color, sometimes approximating to drab, 

 or even approaching white. They are boldly marked and 

 blotched with dark brown, especially around the large end. 

 The nest is a mere depression in the ground, slightly lined 

 with dried grasses or leaves feathers being sometimes added. 



These Plovers are among our most characteristic birds of 

 passage, in the month of September, being as common in 

 the west as in the more easterly regions. When passing 

 from one point to another they fly high, with rapid and 

 steady beat of their long pointed wings. Entering the 

 fields, they fly very low, scouring the region thoroughly, it 

 may be, before they alight. Whether flying high or low, 

 unless the flock be very large, they generally move in lines 

 of many abreast, forming as many curves and angles as so 

 many Wild Geese. 



They may eat caterpillars or berries, but their chief relish 

 is for grasshoppers, which they capture most adroitly. 

 When in flight they may be easily " whistled down," and are 

 frequently shot in great numbers. They are often very fat, 

 and their flesh is delicious. 



THE KILLDEER. 



Our Plover the most familiar to every one, is the Killdeer 

 (sEgialitis ew//mz), which I see almost constantly on the point 

 of land under observation. In the sunny days of March, al- 

 ready he greets us with his half-cheerful, half-plaintive note, 



