151 
alarm was expressed concerning it. We do not note the gradual depletion 
of any species, or if we do observe it we are prone to ascribe it to local 
instead of general conditions and it is not until many observers begin to 
compare notes that the true conditions are realized. All species have their 
bad and good seasons, epidemics, and other periodical setbacks. When 
there is a large natural reserve of numbers, such checks make no permanent 
inroad on the strength of a thriving species, but when a steady, even, though 
slow, reduction is in progress, checks normally of minor importance become 
catastrophic. 
FAMILY — CHARADRIIDAE. PLOVER 
General Description. The Plover are rather more stoutly and compactly built than 
the snipe-like birds. Their bills are shorter, soft at the base, but ending in a hard, horny 
tip (Figure 16, page 25). Hind toe lacking in all species except Black-bellied in which it is 
very small and almost rudimentary. 
Distinctions. With the above description the Plover are not likely to be confused 
with other families. 
Nesting. On the ground in a slight depression usually lined with scanty grass, moss, 
waste vegetation, or pebbles. 
Distribution. The family, in closely related or nearly identical forms, is circumpolar 
in distribution, breeding mostly north of present settlement. 
The Plover are well known to the sportsman. They average larger in 
size than the Snipe and some of them that feed in upland fields offer con- 
siderable sport. 
Economic Status. As a family they frequent cultivated land more 
than other Shore Birds and hence are of somewhat greater economic 
interest. They are actively helpful to man. 
270. Black-bellied Plover (Including American Black-bellied Plover), bull- 
head. Squatarola squatarola. L, 11. Plate XX B. In spring and summer — above, 
checked black and white; below, face, throat, 
and breast, solid black. Crown mostly white. 
Juvenile: above to crown, a dark ground, 
finely speckled with cream or yellow; all below 
white; flanks, breast, foreneck, and face, softly 
striped with greyish brown. Adult birds in 
winter wear a plumage somewhat similar to 
that of the juvenile, but in early autumn are 
still partly in the summer coat. Most of the 
white may be worn off the upper parts and the 
black below is dull and mixed with the white 
of the incoming winter plumage. 
Distinctions. Like the Golden Plover, but 
somewhat larger. At all seasons it resembles 
that species in colour, but differs as follows: 
In spring, decidedly more white than black 
above, especially on crown which may be 
nearly immaculate, instead of the converse. 
The white of the back at this season is not at 
all yellow. Below, rear abdomen and under- 
tail coverts, white instead of black. The 
juvenile is never as yellow above as the typical 
Golden Plover and the markings are consider- 
ably coarser and more blended. The breast 
pattern is in stripes, blended more or less, 
never with the suggestion of crossbarring as 
in the Golden. In any plumage, may be dis- 
tinguished from the Golden by white or very 
light rump, black, instead of grey axillars, and the presence of a rudimentary hind toe 
(Figure 177, compare with 178). 
Figure 177 
Specific details of Black-bellied Plover; 
scale, |. 
a, white rump; b, black axillars; 
c, rudimentary hind toe. 
