PIPING PLOVER
277. Ægialitis meloda. 7 in.
Very pale above; no black in front of eye; black patch on each side of breast. Young similar, but the black replaced by grayish, as is the case with the last species. This species, apparently, never could be classed as abundant and of late years, it is becoming rather rare along our Atlantic coast; this is probably more due to the building of summer resorts and homes along their former breeding grounds than to hunters. They are rather more shy than the last species, but will usually attempt to escape by running along the beach or by hiding, rather than by flight. Owing to their light colors it is very difficult to see them at any distance.
Notes.—A two-syllabled piping whistle.
Nest.—On the ground; eggs buff with fine black specks.
Range.—Breeds on the coast from Va. to Newfoundland and in the Mississippi Valley.
