Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters in South America, migrating through the U. S. in Sept. and May.
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER
272. Charadrius dominicus. 10.5 in.
No hind toe. Back and tail mottled with black and yellow; below, more or less entirely black to the tail. Young and winter adults, more or less spotted with yellow and blackish-brown above, and grayish-white below, with indistinct streaks on the breast. Often confused with the last species in this plumage, but is smaller, bill smaller and more slender, and the axillars, or feathers nearest the body, under the wings, are gray while those of the [Black-bellied Plover] are black. This species is now regarded as rare on the North Atlantic coast during migrations, while in the interior it is more abundant than the last species. They do not seem to be as suspicious as the Black-bellies, and a flock will often allow a close approach, even when they see you.
Nest.—Nesting habits like those of the last, and other shore birds; eggs slightly smaller (1.90 × 1.30).
Range.—Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters south to South America.
KILLDEER
273. Oxyechus vociferus. 10 in.