No hind toe. Rump and base of tail reddish-brown; breast crossed by two black bands. Like the [Spotted Sandpiper], this bird is locally and abundantly distributed throughout the United States and Southern Canada; it is, however, rare in New England, where it is sometimes found in the Fall. It frequents meadows, fields and ploughed ground, where it feeds upon insects, and around the edges of pools and streams where it gets small shellfish and larvæ. As usual, they will attempt to lead an intruder away from their nest by feigning lameness.
Notes.—A loud, noisy and incessant “killdee.”
Nest.—A slight hollow in the ground, usually in a clump of weeds; sometimes lined and sometimes not; the four eggs are greenish-buff, heavily blotched with black.
Range.—Breeds locally throughout United States, except New England, and southern Canada; winters in southern U. S.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
274. Ægialitis semipalmata. 7 in.
Small web between the bases of the two outer toes. Single broad, black band across the breast; black line from base of bill to eye. They are very abundant on our seacoast in Fall, both in flocks composed entirely of their own kind, and also with Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers. They usually keep on the inner side of sandbars or muddy flats bordering marshes, rather than on the open ocean beach. It is also found in smaller flocks, about ponds and marshes in the interior of the country. They are usually unsuspicious and will allow a close approach, or if you are still, will run by within a very few feet.
Notes.—A clear double whistle, usually uttered when on the wing or when alarmed. They decoy to an imitation of it.
Nest.—On the ground; eggs buffy, sparsely specked with black (1.30 × .90); June.