l66 CHARADRIID^ : PLOVERS. 



Other set of four from the same source average more 

 elongated, the most pointed one being 2.30 long by 1.45 

 broad ; the markings are much more evenly distributed 

 over the whole egg, are smaller, and tending to a con- 

 fused, scratchy pattern, as well as rather lighter in tone. 

 A third set of four from Franklin Bay are intermediate 

 between the other two in these respects, though most 

 like the first described. 



GOLDEN PLOVER. 



Charadrius dom'inicus Mull. 



Chars. Plumage of the upper parts speckled, and of the under parts 

 in the breeding season blaclc, as in the last described species ; 

 but much of the speckling golden yellow, and the rump and 

 upper tail-coverts like the back ; forehead and broad line over 

 the eye to nape, white ; tail-feathers grayish-brown, with imper- 

 fect white or ashy bars ; axillars, gray or ashy. At other times, 

 under parts much the same as in last species. No hind toe. 

 Length, lo.oo-ii.oo; extent, 20.00; wing, 7.00 or less; tail, 

 under 3.00; bill, 1. 00 or less; tarsus, 1.65; middle toe and 

 claw, 1. 10. 



The Golden Plover is even better known to the gun- 

 ners than the last, being during the migrations more abun- 

 dant and generally distributed. It has a number of local 

 names, some of them applied both to this species and 

 the Black-bellied Plover, by those who do not discrim- 

 inate between these generically distinct birds. The 

 general habits of the two are counterpart. The Golden 

 Plover appears during the latter part of April, making 

 but a flying visit, and it is then off for its favorite breed- 

 ing grounds in the far north. In the return movement 

 some birds come by the latter part of August ; their 



