DOTTEREL 177 



*ng or early in the morning, when it requires drink or 

 bathing, of which it is very fond. On the moors where the 

 Ptarmigan abounds, this bird is very commonly seen in 

 great numbers, even as high up the northern Alps as that 

 region where vegetation ceases. 



In Central Europe, where the countries are only hilly 

 instead of mountainous, the Dotterel frequents short grassy 

 meadows, large wastes, and the sides of hills where sheep 

 are grazing, but neither in wet places nor on the banks of 

 lakes or rivers is it ever seen. 



The migratory journeys are performed in the daytime, 

 rarely at night, when the flock flies at a great height, giving 

 notice of its approach by the call-note ; in the autumn these 

 flocks may be seen from August till the month of October, 

 and are then more numerous, owing to the addition of the 

 young broods, that swell their numbers ; in April the return 

 to the north takes place, during which time it is by far more 

 difficult to obtain specimens than in the autumn. These 

 birds keep no regular order when journeying, like the 

 Plovers, but move on in a body very close together. 



When the Dotterel stands on the ground, the dusty 

 colouring of the upper plumage is well adapted to render 

 it unnoticed, as it harmonizes perfectly with the dry sandy 

 locality it prefers ; its body is most generally carried hori- 

 zontally, standing on straight legs, or in the manner repre- 

 sented in our plate. 



Its movements are elegant, but it does not seem to 

 be fond of unnecessary exercise, as it frequently stands look- 

 ing about for a length of time ; however, when endangered, 

 it can run with great velocity. Where the present species 

 abounds during the summer months, its feet are frequently 

 found to be loaded with gossamer, which it accumulates to 

 a burdensome extent. 



