262 On the Nesting of the Avocets in the Zoological Gardens.


a variable number of subsymmetrically disposed black spots on

the crown and occipital area. From the anterior angle of the

eye a black stripe runs obliquely to the base of the beak above

the corner of the mouth ; and sometimes a corresponding black

stripe passes backwards from the posterior angle of the eye. The

anterior half of the nape of the neck is unmarked ; but its

posterior half bears two more or less irregular black stripes

which converge anteriorly and meet or nearly meet in the middle

line forming a complete or nearly complete A-shaped mark. On

the area of the back between the wings these stripes are repre-

sented by spots, and running along the sacral region to the tail

there is a median irregular band of black spots, varying in size.

Thus the back might be described as ornamented with two black

stripes, more or less broken up into spots which converge towards

a point upon the neck and fuse to form a single median stripe

upon the pelvic region. The hind quarters are also marked with

a conspicuous stripe extending from the tail across the thigh to

the femorotibial joint of the leg ; there is also an obscure spot on

the down of the outer side of the leg where the naked area com-

mences, and the upper side of the wing is speckled with black.

The beak is black with a greyish tinge 011 the base, and the legs

are grey-blue with pinkish webbing. Measurements in Mm. :

Total length from base of beak to tail about 100 (4 inches) ;

length of head 20, of beak from corner of mouth to tip 17, of

tarsus 28, of middle toe, without claw, 19.


The foregoing description and the annexed figures, repre-

senting a side view of the head and the upper surface of the

body, have been taken from the two nestlings which were found

dead on the nest. So far as can be seen the living bird resembles

them in every important respect. I have described the color-

ation in some detail because, if we may trust to the analogy

supplied by other animals, the pattern of the nestlings should

prove a useful help in determining the affinities and descent of

the species of Plovers and allied birds.


At the time of writing (June 23rd) the little bird has not

altered appreciably either in appearance or behaviour. Naturally

he has increased to a certain extent, but not much, in size, and

his beak seems to be a little longer, but without catching and



