104 



273. Killdeer Plover, fe. — le pluvier kildir. Oxyechus vociferus. L, 10-50. 

 Plate IX A. 



Distinctions. As the Killdeer is the largest of the Riagnecked Plovers it can hEa-dly 

 be confused with its smaller relatives. The double instead of single breast band also dis- 

 tinguishes it from them. 



Field Marks. Size, two breast bands instead of one, striking ochraceous tail and 

 rump, and distinctive call of "kiUdee-kiUdee-killdee." 



Nesting. A mere hoUow in the ground scantily lined with vegetable fragments. 



Distribution. A species of remarkably wide range, breeding from the northern limits 

 of cultivation in Canada to the gulf of Mexico. Rare or absent from vicinity of either 

 coast. 



A common summer bird over all Canada except in the sea coast districts. 

 Its loud voice is familiar to all country residents and visitors. A true Shore 

 Bird, it frequents the high dry uplands and cultivated fields, often nesting 

 in the ploughed furrows amidst the crops. When its young are hatched, 

 however, it usually leads them to water, some quiet nearby pool as 

 a rule, and as soon as they are able to take care of themselves they unite in 

 small scattered flocks. That this species has been able to survive and 

 thrive in the midst of cultivation and civilization while other species 

 apparently as well able to take care of themselves have succumbed, is 

 probably due to its comparatively soUtary habits and to its not general'p 

 gathering in dense flocks, the pursuit of which is profitable. 



Economic Status. Its food is largely insectivorous and through spring 

 and early summer it frequents ground where it can do much good. 



274. Semipalmated Plover, bing-neck plover, fr. — le pluvier sEMiPAmfi- 

 jEgialitis semipalmata. L, 6-75. A small Plover of general resemblance to the Killdeer, 

 but with one instead of two dark breast-bands and without the ochraceous rump 

 and tail of that species. Autumn birds are similar, but the colours are washed out and 



with no clear black anywhere. 



Distinctions. With size and the above description, can be mistaken only for the 

 Piping Plover, but the back coloration is decidedly brownish in all plumages instead of 

 smoke-grey or dry sand colour, the breast band is always broad, continuous, and weU- 

 raarked even in autumn, and the ear coverts behind and below the eye are always decidedly 

 dark instead of pure white. Feet with small webs explain the accepted common name; 

 the only Plover in Canada which is so provided. 



Field Marks. Size and a single instead of double breast-band distinguish this from 

 the Killdeer Plover, and the back, dark-coloured hke wet sand, from the Piping Plover 

 which is lighter and grey like dry sand. 



Nesting. Slight hollow in the ground or shore refuse. 



Distribution. Breeds in the high north across the continent; south, in the east, to 

 the gulf of St. Lawrence. Common in migration in suitable localities in eastern Canada. 



A pretty little Plover frequenting mud flats or sandy beaches indiffer- 

 ently. Closely related to the European Ring Plover and distinguished 

 only by slightly smaller size and a few minor details. 



277. Piping Plover, ring-neck. fr. — lb pluvier criard. MgialUis meloda. L, 

 7-10. Spring plumage — same markings as the Semipalmated previously described, but 

 back in lighter colours. Back and crown light smoke-grey, a black bar across fore-crown, 

 remainder, collar around neck, and forehead white; a black ring about neck, just below 

 the white one, sometimes broken on the breast. Autumn birds — similar but without black 

 neck ring and generally weaker in coloration. 



Distinctions. Can be mistaken only for the Semipalmated but easily distinguished 

 by the characters given under that heading. 



Field Marks. Distinguished from the Semipalmated Plover by its Ughter coloration, 

 hke dry instead of wet sand. Its melodious whistle is easily remembered when once heard. 



Nesting. Depression in the sand made by the bird and containing only a few small 

 pebbles, coarse grains of sand, or fragments of shell upon which the eggs rest. 



Distribution. Breeds on sandy shores locally from the prairie provinces to the gulf 

 of St. Lawrence and Sable island. 



