HABITS F TEE GEE AT PLOVEB. 177 



would often run quickly up to him, also waving them, and join in 

 the pursuit. Had I not seen the chase of the moths alluded to I 

 should have thought this action either bellicose or a joining or 

 rivalry in display, though I am sure I should not have felt 

 satisfied with either theory. Now I can have no doubt that it 

 was simply the desire of one bird to get what another was 

 chasing — as with fowls, ducks, &c. 



To sum up what occurs to me from this and the previous 

 day's observation. 



1st. The extension, waving, beating about, &c, of the wings 

 — whilst not in flight — is an accustomed action of these birds, 

 indulged in on various occasions, and ready to leap out under 

 excitement, irrespective of any more particular reason. 



2nd. It is employed (with some other set forms) as a chal- 

 lenge to combat, and (probably) acceptation of such challenge. 



3rd. The birds spread and wave their wings whilst chasing 

 insects. 



(a) Through excitement merely. 



(b) Possibly to beat down a moth, &c, on to the ground 

 (doubtful). 



(c) Possibly again to catch the wind, and assist them in their 

 swift runs when it is with them (also doubtful). 



4th. They help themselves with the wings in jumping up at 

 flying insects which they are pursuing. (Seen distinctly.) 



5th. I think, but cannot be sure (and assurance is much 

 needed), that I saw once (Sept. 4th) a bird pursue a flying insect 

 for a short distance on the wing, and near the ground. There 

 was no doubt as to the chase on foot, and the flight came, or 

 seemed to come, as part of such chase. 



Not only were the actions of the birds whilst running (as 

 described) exactly like those of the one I had seen catch the 

 moths on Sept. 1st, but it would have been difficult to reconcile 

 them with any other hypothesis than that of the pursuit of some 

 aerial but low-flying prey. They frequently ran the game down, 

 pecking it down as it were, and securing it either on or just above 

 the ground, though to-day I never once actually saw the pursued 

 insect. 



The activity becoming so general and so greatly increased at 

 twilight is in accordance with moths beginning to fly then. 



