HABITS OF THE PEEWIT. 135 



somewhat extended from the sides. During this display, or 

 whatever it may be called, I noticed another Peewit on the 

 ground, and advancing towards the one rolling, with a very intent 

 look. It soon appeared, however, that the intentness was only 

 in regard to getting food. The bird, though approaching the 

 other (by chance, I now think),* was merely feeding, and, when 

 fairly near, turned deliberately round, and seemed to take no 

 more notice. 



March 25th. — A Peewit is now rolling very pronouncedly, and 

 a strange performance it is. The whole body seems lifted up, so 

 that the bird, though sitting, is resting only on his breast, the 

 rest of him being in the air. The breast is thus pressed into the 

 sand, whilst a rolling or side to side movement of it, varying in 

 force, and by no means always apparent, helps to make a cup- 

 shaped hollow. This curious, raised attitude alternates with a 

 more ordinary sitting posture. After each raising of the wings 

 and tail they are depressed, again raised, and so on, whilst at 

 intervals there is the curious waggle of the tail, as before de- 

 scribed, suggesting actual copulation. Another Peewit is near, 

 and, whilst this proceeds, comes nearer and nearer, this time, I 

 think, really actuated by an interest in the performance. As it 

 gets closer the other seems to become more excited. The 

 advancing Peewit stops when only a foot or two off, and seems 

 again indifferent, and the rolling one flies right up from his 

 rolling attitude, without even first rising out of it — as far as I 

 can see. He scuds away, and soon begins to sweep and throw 

 in the air. Another Peewit that I now see rolling rises and 

 makes a long and uninterrupted run, with the funny little mincing 

 steps and curious attitudes once before described, right up to the 

 immediate proximity of three Stock-Doves, and, at hardly a yard 

 off one of them, begins to roll again. The Stock-Doves take no 

 notice, as far as can be judged by appearances, and the Peewit, 

 ceasing suddenly with a little start, as though he recognized his 

 error, flies away. 



March 29th. — A Peewit rolling. Another appears close 

 amidst the grass, and comes up to it with the funny little step 

 and head held straight out in a line with the body. As it gets up 

 the rolling bird rises and goes a step or two farther off, then, 



* Subsequent entries, however, make this conclusion of no value. 



