107 



266. Eskimo Curlew, fk. — lb cotjrlis du nobd. lb corbiqeatj dbs esquimatix. 

 Numenius borealis. L, 13-50. The smallest of the Curlews. Of same general coloration 

 as the Hudsonian. 



Distinctions. Easily separated from either of the other Curlews by its smaller size 

 and plain unmarked primaries, though the axillars are barred as in the Hudsonian, and 

 the crown evenly spotted, without median stripe, as in the Long-billed. 



Field Marks. See preceding species. This bird is, however, too rare nowadays for 

 eyesight record. 



Distribution. Breeds on the barren grounds of the Mackenzie district. Migrates in 

 autumn across to Labrador and then down the coast. In spring it ascends the Mississippi 

 valley. 



Very close to extinction. Whether or not ill-regulated shooting was 

 the chief cause of its great reduction in numbers, for old accounts speak of 

 immense flocks, it was certainly contributory. This is another case of dis- 

 appearance coming before realization of the necessity of protection and 

 the apparent or threatened loss of a species that can never be replaced. 



FAMILY — CHARADRIID.E. PLOVERS. 



General Description. The Plovers are rather more stoutly and compactly built than 

 the snipe-like birds. Their bills are shorter, soft at the base, but ending in a hard, horny 

 tip (Figure 24, p. 22). Hind toe lacking in all species except Black-bellied (p. 107) in 

 which it is very small and almost rudimentary. 



Distinctions. With the above description the Plovers are not likely to be confused 

 with anything else. 



Nesting. On the ground in a slight depression usually lined with scanty grass, moss, 

 waste vegetation, or pebbles. 



Distribution. In closely related or nearly identical forms the family is circumpolar 

 in distribution, breeding mostly north of present settlement. 



The Plovers are well known to the sportsman. They average larger 

 in size than the Snipes and some of them which feed in upland fields offer 

 considerable sport. 



Economic Status. As a family they frequent cultivated land more than 

 other Shore Birds and hence are of somewhat greater economic interest. 

 They are actively helpful to man. 



Genus — Squatarola. Black-bellied Plover. 



270. Black-bellied Plover, bull-head. pr. — le plttviek a ventre noir. le 

 vanneau gris. Squatarola squatarola. L, 11. Spring plumage — back, almost black 

 with many broad white feather-tips aggregated on wings; crown, hindneck, and rump, 

 white or nearly so; cheekSj throat, foreparts and breast to abdomen, pure black, often 

 showing white feathers remaining from immaturity. Autumn plumage — back, weak brown, 

 with cream or yellowish feather ends, to top of head; throat, foreneck, and underparts 

 dull whitish with indistinct breast-band of veiled stripes. All intermediate plumages are 

 taken within our boundaries. 



Distinctions. Plover-like characters; will be mistaken only for the Golden Plover 

 which it closely resembles. The presence of a small though well-formed hind toe is peculiar 

 to this bird as it is our only Plover with a fourth toe. 



Field Marks. Requiring separation only from the Golden Plover. Rather incon- 

 spicuous white band on the spread wing, axillars black, in strong contrast to background 

 of underwing surface when flying, and white rump to be seen under favourable conditions. 



Distribution. A circumpolar species breeding in America along the Arctic coast 

 northwest of Hudnon bay. More or less common in migration in suitable habitats through- 

 out eastern Canada. 

 28587—8 



