GENUS (KDICNEMUS (Temminck). 



TMIIIS is a form common to most parts of the world. Australia has one species which is a 

 -L cosmopolite as regards temperature, being found in every latitude lrom Cape York to Cape 

 ( >t\vay. 



'I hoc birds may l>e regarded as a strong- connecting- link between the Bustards and Plovers, 

 partaking of the character of both, but particularly of the latter. 



(EDICNEMUS GRALLARIUS {Gould). 



SOUTHERN STONE PLOVER. Genus : CEdicnemus. 



r I lHIS is the King of Plovers in matter of size, its body being nearly as large as a hen pheasant's, 

 J- and its legs arc longer than those of any other species. 



Contrary to the habits of the Esacus, the CEdicnemus affects the uplands wherever districts 

 occur that are suitable to its habits. Such localities are sandy plains, the tops and sides of grassy 

 hills, and flats between the mountain ridges, where the outcrop of broken stones offers a fitting home 

 for insectivorous life. Here it is met with in pairs as a rule, though sometimes flocks of from eight 

 to ten are to be seen. Naturally a very shy bird, it is most difficult to capture one except by 

 shooting. It runs rapidly, and, if not disposed to fly, it squats on the ground close to a stone or 

 log, and will so remain till almost trodden upon. 



Like the Wattled Plover, it is full of cunning devices to lure away an intruder from its nest 

 and young ones ; piteous cries are uttered, wing or leg is hung helplessly while the bird flops and 

 limps along the ground in a contrary direction to the nest. 



When seen walking on the plains it is a stately and imposing bird. Its flight is rather 

 quick and laboured ; it mounts high in the air, but soon descends again in some open space among the 

 trees, and runs off to hide among the bushes, or squats on the ground. 



It is semi-nocturnal in its habits, and welcomes the approach of evening by uttering its harsh 

 loud cry, " Wee-lo," several times. It feeds upon insects and berries, and principally at night. 



The breeding season lasts from September to January, when two eggs are laid on the bare 

 ground. They vary considerably in colour and marking, but are usually pale buff, thickly blotched all 

 over with umber-brown. Length, 2 inches 3 lines; breadth, 1 inch 7\ lines. 



The young when first hatched are covered with fine down, grey striped with black on the 



upper surfaces and on the sides of the chest; under surfaces, pale buff"; hides, greenish-yellow. A 



little later they have all the upper surfaces and crescentic markings on the breast freckled brown and 



black, with dark primaries and shoulders ; back of neck, throat, chest, thighs and abdomen, white ; bill 

 and feet, horn-yellow. 



There is no difference in the sexes. 



