they resume their circles and become pacific, In confinement they do not lose their pugnacious disposition; and if a basin 
of bread and milk or boiled wheat is set before them, it is instantly contended for, and they would starve in the midst of 
plenty if several dishes of food were not placed among them at a distance from each other,” 
Although a polygamous species, it is claimed that the male attaches himself more especially to one female, and shows 
a decided preference for her. The food consists of insects, grasshoppers, worms, etc. They are very easily tamed, and in 
captivity become almost omnivorous. The nest is placed on the ground, generally near a marsh, and is concealed with 
great care. The eggs are four in number, of a dull, buff color, marked with rich brown, and usually measure about 
1.70 x 1.20, but like those of other waders they vary in size. 
Adult male (spring plumage'). — Feathers of the head and neck elongated, forming a wide collar or ruff, generally 
white and buff ; rest of upper parts variegated with buff, black, dull white, and ochre ; primaries dark brown, with white 
shafts ; underparts white, heavily marked with blackish brown on the breast and sides ; face covered with yellowish 
tubercles; bill, dark brown, lighter at the base; iris, dark brown; legs, brownish yellow. 
Length 12.5; wing 7; tail 2.7; tarsus 2; bill 1.55. 
Male winter plumage . — Lacking the ruff and tubercles on the face, resembles the female. 
Adult female. (Reeve.) Head and neck sandy brown, mottled faintly with dark brown ; upper parts variegated with 
black and brown and tinge of reddish ; underparts dull white, mottled on the breast and sides with brown. The rest as in 
the male; no ruff or tubercles on the face. Smaller than the male. 
The specimens figured in the plate represent two adult males and a female. The variation in the coloration of the 
plumes of the former is very great. The Ruff may be black, white, or chestnut, barred and banded in various ways, or 
simply plain white, generally showing a tinge of buff or black. 
