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).
GOLDEN PLOVER.
272. Charadrius dominicus. 10 inches.
The black of the under parts extends to the lower tail coverts, and the upper parts are variegated with black, golden yellow and white. These are often found in large flocks with the above, especially in the fall, during migration. The habits are also the same.
Nest.—Abundantly along the coast of the Arctic ocean, on the mainland and also on the islands. Three to four eggs (1.90 × 1.30).
