72 THE BIRDS 
after being hatched, and their downy coats have the pro- 
tective coloration scheme so well carried out that it is 
almost impossible to distinguish them, especially on the 
sandy beach amongst the shells, pebbles or stones. They 
raise only one brood a season. Fresh eges June 1st to 10th. 
Their food consists principally of insect matter cast up 
by the water, or inhabiting the wet edges. 
