from the Colony of Natal. 371 



This is the only specimen of the kind I have seen ; I killed it 

 early one morning on the sea-shore; in appearance it much re- 

 sembled a Long-legged Plover, and took wing immediately on 

 my appearance, so that I had no time to notice its movements. 



274. Squatarola helvetica (Linn.). Grey Plover. 

 Female. From the Monocusi River. Bill, tarsi, and feet 



black. 



275. HoPLOPTERUs ARMATUs (Burch.). Black and White 

 Spur-wing Plover. 



Female. Iris very dark hazel; bill black; tarsi and feet 

 dusky ash-colour. 



These Plovers are plentiful in our bay during the winter, but 

 I believe are not here in summer. They congregate in large 

 flocks and are very shy, but they are also frequently found soli- 

 tary. They feed on the mud banks, when the tide recedes, to- 

 gether with the Herons, Sandpipers, &c. ; their flight is very 

 rapid, and they run with considerable swiftness. 



276. ^GiALiTEs TRicoLLARis (Vieill.). Thrce-collarcd Ring- 

 Dotterel. 



Female. Iris very light dusky brown ; bill dusky, pink or red 

 at the base ; eyelids crimson ; tarsi and feet dusky pale. 



These pretty little Plovers are by no means common ; they are 

 mostly found on the muddy banks of creeks, amongst the man- 

 groves, either singly or in pairs ; at first sight they might easily 

 be mistaken for Water- Wagtails, their movements and appear- 

 ance being very similar ; their flight is rapid ; they feed on small 

 marine insects, and swallow a very fair share of pebbles to aid 

 digestion. 



277. BuTORiDEs ATRiCAPiLLA (Afzel.). Little Grcen-wingcd 

 Heron. 



Male and Female. Irides light yellow ; bill, upper mandible 

 dusky ; lower greenish yellow, with dusky margins ; tarsi and 

 feet dusky on the upper surfaces, yellow on the under. 



These birds are scarce, and appear to be very solitary in habits ; 

 they are found generally amongst the mangroves, either perched 

 on some low bough or on the mud, and always in the shade, 



