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Remarks (Immature birds are sometimes)

Immature birds are sometimes confused with those of the Blackbellied Plover, but, aside from differences of size and color, the absence of the fourth toe in the present species will always distinguish it. Range.-Breeds in the arctic regions; winters from Florida to Patagonia. Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, T. V., very rare in May; common from Aug. 15 to Nov. 10.

Eggs, three to four, ochraceous-buff or buffy white, heavily marked with chocolate, 1.85 x 1.28.

Golden Plovers frequent marshes, sandy hills, old fields, sand-flats exposed by the falling tide, plowed fields, and burned tracts which are free of trees and bushes. When on the ground they run rapidly and gracefully, and after alighting soon scatter. All their movements are quick, and after running a few yards they suddenly stop, hold their head erect, and look about them. In feeding they seem to strike at an object with a motion that reminds one of a Loon or Grebe beginning to dive. When a flock is approaching decoys, every bird seems to be whistling, uttering a note like coodle, coodle, coodle. Unlike the Blackbellied Plover, the young birds are wary and more difficult to decoy than the old ones. When driven from a favorite resting or feeding ground they generally return in a short time. (Abridged from Mr.