Birds of Britain 

 THE SOCIABLE PLOVER 



Vanellus gregarius (Pallas) 



This species is a native of South Kussia and the Aralo- 

 Caspian area. Until a few months ago, when a second 

 example was procured in Kent, it had only once (in 1860) 

 been taken in England. 



The general colour above is drab; crown of the head 

 black, margined with white. Quills black; secondaries 

 white ; tail white, with a subterminal brown band. Chin 

 white; throat buff; breast brown; belly black; flanks and 

 under tail coverts deep chestnut. Length 12 in. ; wing 

 8 in. 



THE LAPWING 



Vanellus vulgaris, Bechstein 



No wild bird has perhaps to pay so large a tribute in 

 eggs and individuals to man, and yet remains as common 

 and abundant, as the Lapwing. 



Early in March he appears on the marsh or water- 

 meadows, where he or his parents before him have been 

 accustomed to spend the summer ; sometimes dry fields at 

 some distance from the water are chosen, but as a rule it is 

 never far from a river, stream, or even a moderate-sized 

 pond. Although many pairs often nest in the same field, 

 fierce battles take place between the males for the mates of 



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