PLOVERS 



(273) Oxyechus vociferus 



(Linn.) (Gr., sharp-sounding; Lat., noisy). 

 KILLDEER. Toes three. Ads. 

 — Plumage as shown. Notice that 

 the breast is crossed by two black 

 bands. Im. — Paler; the breast bands 

 are gray; the tail is dull brown 

 instead of rufous, and the back may 

 be marked with buffy edges of the 

 feathers. L., 9.50; W., 6.50; T., 

 4.00; Tar., 1.35; B., .75. Nest — 

 A hollow on the ground, usually 

 concealed under weeds; three or four 

 greenish-buff eggs, heavily spotted 

 and blotched with black, 1.50 x i.io. 



Range — Breeds from Quebec, Kee- 

 watin and B. C. south to the Gulf 

 coast and central Mexico. Winters 

 southward from N. J., Ind., Tex. 

 and Cal. 



south, well out over the ocean. They seem to be following 

 the path of these other birds in another respect too, for 

 compared to the large flocks that formerly went north 

 through the Mississippi Valley there are very few now. They 

 feed quite extensively upon insects, and are fully as likely to 

 settle down to feed on plains or in fields far from water as 

 in marshes. 



It is a beautiful sight to see a large flock of Golden Plover 

 coming down to a feeding ground from the heights at which 

 they migrate ; their coming heralded by softly trilled whistles, 

 they descend on set, decurved wings, very swiftly, until 

 swooping over the grass tops, they bring the wings forward 

 to check their speed and drop lightly to the ground; their 

 wings are elevated again as though with a feeling of relief 

 after their long journey, then carefully folded on the back. 



KILLDEER are of unusual interest because, like Spotted 

 Sandpipers, they breed over a large part of the States and 

 Canada. Their name has no reference to their prowess as 



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