FAM. XXXrni. PLOVERS 229 



is white. In summer there is much rufous, black, and white on 

 the upper parts ; in winter the bright, reddish-brown is lacking, 

 and the colors of the back are mainly blacks and grays. This 

 bird is often seen 



turning over stones _ -=*'^ Sjffl!'*JlfcB>- •^t 'iF'' 



and shells along the ^i^MM^Cv^^BlKMB. ^•'♦' 



outer shore for food. 

 (Calicoback.) 



Length, 9i ; wing, 6 ; 

 tail, 2^ ; tarsus, 1 ; cul- 

 men, J. Along nearly all 

 shores of lakes, rivers, Tnrnstone 



and oceans. In the New 



World, from Greenland to the southern part of South America. More or 

 less common along the great rivers and lakes of tlie interior ; breeding 

 in the Arctic regions, and wintering mainly soutii of the equator. 



FAMILY XXXVIIL PLOVERS (CHARADRIID^) 



This large family (100 species) of snipe-like birds with long 

 wings, short, pigeon-shaped bills,^ and (in most spe- 

 cies) three toes, is represented throughout the world, 

 though only eight species are found in North America. 

 These are short-billed, round-headed, short-necked, 

 plump-bodied, long-winged, short-tailed, wading birds with (in 

 most species) rather short legs for waders, and but three toes. 



Many species inhabit the shores of water, both salt and 

 fresh, but some are found on the dryest plains. They move 

 rapidly when running or flying, and their note is a mellow 

 whistle. 



Key to the Species 



* A hind toe present about ^ long. 



— Head without crest 1. Black-bellied Plover. 



— Head crested; back metallic green. The Lapwing (269. Vanel- 

 lus vanellus) of the Old World has once been seen on Long Island. 

 Wing, 8J-9; culmen, 1. 



* Toes only three ; hind toe absent. (A.) 



A. Plumage speckled on the back with whitish or yellow 



2. American Golden Plover. 



