98 Order Ckaradriformes, Family Vanellidae, Gams Zonifer. 



surroundings, and are distinguished with difficulty; on the 

 other hand the white breast and black band are very con- 

 spicuous when iseen face to face. If one of the flock be woun- 

 ded the rest come to his rescue, circling and screaming round 

 the intruder, and making bold dashes at him. They are not 

 regular migrants, but wander from place to place as food or 

 other consideration impel them. These flights are usually 

 high in the air, and often' take place at night; at such times 

 they are only distinguished by their call. 



Flight — Rapid and straight, with rather slow powerful 

 wing beats. Occasionally the flight is zig zag, almost like 

 that of a snipe. This kind of flight is most often seen in 

 windy weather, and seems to be in play. 



Song — A succession of loud harsh notes like kak-kak-kak 

 — kak kak uttered when in flight, rarely uttered on the 

 ground. 



Food — Chiefly insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, and 

 caterpillars, occasionally worms; if insect life be scarce seeds 

 are taken. 



Nest — A few short pieces of grass in a depression of the 

 ground. Sometimes the eggs are laid on the bare ground. 

 When breeding the old birds become very cunning and brave, 

 and are most energetic in trying to take one away from the 

 young or eggs. When not too near the nest they will dart 

 down on the intruder, often within a few inches of his face, 

 making one believe he is near the nest, when as a matter of 

 fact he is some distance off. The chicks when disturbed 

 immediately scatter and isquat, and become almost invisible, 

 so that if a clutch of four be seen it is usually only the one 

 ui)on which the eyes have been kept fixed that is caught. 

 They are early breeders, eggs being commonly found in June, 

 but in an early season they breed in May, or as soon as the 

 green grass appears. 



Eggs — Four in number, occasionally only three, of the 

 usual ploverioe pointed shape. They are placed in the nest 

 with the pointed ends inwards. 



Eggs — Ground colour, brown with a tinge of green, thick- 

 ly and evenly covered with irregularly shaped spots and 

 blotches, varying in colour from medium brown to almost 

 black. Average measurement of 17 eggs, 4.28 x 3.20 cm. 



Largest egg, 4.60 x 3.25 cm. 



Smallest egg, 4.05 x 3.10 cm. 



