SIX MONTHS’ BIRD COLLECTING IN EGYPT. 199 
is one founded on fact, it is probable that Herodotus only 
wrote from hearsay, and knew no more which bird it was 
than we do. 
The Spur-winged Plover is stated in the Zoologist to 
have occurred in England (Zool., 5041)—a mistake doubt- 
less. 
161. WHITE-TAILED PLOVER, Chettusia villotet 
(Audouin). 
I bought a skin at Alexandria, but the only example we 
met with ourselves was shot at Rackaba, near Damietta, 
on the 30th of January, and being mistaken for a young 
Ziczac (!) was thrust incontinently into a bag with other 
game. A few years ago this was a very rare bird in 
collections. 
162. Pluvianus egyptius (Linn.), (Hasselquist, 31.) 
This is one of the most delicately-coloured birds in Egypt, 
and others like myself may call to mind the admiration 
which their first specimen evoked. It is considered by 
many to be the crocodile bird of Herodotus; and Gould, in 
his “ Birds of Asia,” makes it the faithful attendant on the 
monsters.* I did not see very many in the Delta, nor for 
some days south of Cairo. dt was most abundant in 
Middle Egypt as far as Girgeh, after which it became 
scarcer again until we came to Silsilis. In the breeding, or 
rather courting season, their actions are very amusing, and 
as I often got very near them I could observe their strange 
postures and attitudes. I think their colours fade a little 
after they begin to breed, and their demeanour is sobered 
by the responsibility of having chicks; their boisterous 
© See my note under Spur-winged Plover. 
