BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER—Family Charadriidæ.
270. Squatarola squatarola. 12 inches.
A remarkably handsome species when in their summer dress. The upper parts are largely white, with black spots and bars on the back, wings and tail; the sides of head, throat, breast and fore under parts are black. This species has a small hind toe. In winter they are brownish-black, somewhat mottled above; below, dull white. This is a very familiar bird to sportsmen, and is known better by the name of “Beetle-head” or “Bull-head.” They are very numerous in the fall.
Nest.—Is made as usual with the Plover, without much lining and placed in a tuft of grass; three or four eggs, brownish-buff in color and boldly marked with black (2.00 × 1.40).