TEE PRATINCOLr.S. 
135 
Saunders, it extends its course to the Camargue in the south 
of France, where again it finds suitable breeding-ground, a 
few ascending the valley of the Rhone to Savoy, and spreading 
out over the central and northern districts of France as far 
west as the mouth of the Somme. The Pratincole also inhabits 
Hungary, but is rare in Poland. Eastwards its range extends 
to Central Asia, where it is found along with NordmamFs 
Pratincole {G. mehinopiera), the species of Southern Russia, 
which is easily distinguished from the Common Pratincole 
by its black under wing-coverts and axillaries. In winter, 
G. pralincola extends to India, where G. melanoptera is, as 
yet, unknown, hut both Pratincoles winter in Africa. 
Habits. — The ways of the Pratincole are very different in 
many respects from those of other Plovers. Although its legs 
are very short, it is able to run with great swiftness, and its 
flight is very powerful, resembling that of a Swallow, and, 
like the latter bird, the Pratincole captures much of its prey 
on the wing. Mr. Seebohm relates that the bird has a very 
peculiar habit of feigning lameness. “ Before the breeding- 
season has fairly commenced,” he says, “ you may stand on a 
piece of fallow ground and watch a dozen birds, each within 
pistol-shot, lying on their sides and making apparently constant 
efforts to expand a wing, as if in the last death-struggle, and 
yet you may search in vain for an egg.” Mr. Osbert Salvin, 
who found the species breeding in the district of the Eastern 
Atlas, writes ; — “ The Pratincole was found on the table-lands of 
the interior, frequenting the salt lakes and fresh water marshes. 
Its fearless manner and familiar habits cause it to rank high 
among the interesting birds of the country ; and I remember 
few that I have watched with greater pleasure. When in 
proximity to their nests, the whole flock come wheeling and 
screaming round, while some dait passionately down to with- 
in a few feet of the intruder’s head, retiring again to make 
another descent. When the first transports of excitement are 
over, they all alight one by one on the ground. Some stand 
quite still, watching with enquiring gaze; while others stretch 
themselves out, first expanding one wing, then the other, and 
sitting down, extend both legs. In this position they remain 
for some seconds, as if dead, when, suddenly springing up. 
