Migratory Birds in British Guiana. 267 



appear during the spring in the northern latitudes, as 

 contrasted with those that left during the autumn. Though 

 they are shy and timid, they seldom fly for any great 

 distance before they settle again after being disturbed, 

 and owing to the large numbers in a flight, it is not 

 difficult to secure them in quantity. 



The American Golden Plover was for a long time con- 

 founded with the European species, but the latter can 

 readily be distinguished by its white axillary wing fea- 

 thers as against the light brown feathers of the local 

 forms, while it is also slightly larger — though the latter 

 charafter would hardly be noticed except from a very 

 close comparison. 



Considerable differences of opinion, too, exist as regard 

 this bird, as to its specific identity with, or difference 

 from, the common smaller Asiatic plover, which is closely 

 similar to it. Quite recently they have been included in 

 one and the same species, under the name dominicus. 



This plover can readily be recognised among the other 

 migrants with which it is found. The beak is short, 

 being slightly shorter than the head, straight, and curving 

 slightly at the tip. The upper plumage is mottled with 

 black and greenish-yellow, which gives a peculiar 

 greenish tinge to the bird. The under surface is either 

 mottled with black and white, the black being in large 

 patches, or is whitish ; while the young are much duller 

 throughout. The toes are three in number, the hinder 

 toe being absent. The length of the body is nearly 

 II inches. 



A very peculiar and interesting specimen Vv-hich was 

 obtained by the Hon. E. C, LuARD on the East Coast 

 Demerara, in 06lober 1895, presented a nearly uniform 



