270. Squatarola squatarola. 11.5 in.

Hind toe very small. Bill short and stout. Adults in summer with the hack, wings and tail barred or marked with black and white; top of head and nape white, except for a few black markings on the crown: face, throat, breast and fore part of belly, black. In winter, brownish-black, somewhat mottled, above; below dull white. Young similar to winter adults, but the back is spotted with yellowish-white. While these handsome plover migrate to some extent, and sometimes in large flocks, through the interior of the United States, they are chiefly and most abundantly found on the coast. They are the plover most eagerly sought by gunners.

Call. - A plaintive whistle, "ter-lee."

Nest. - Grass-lined hollows in marshes or dry land, back from the beach; eggs greenish-buff, spotted with black.

Range. - Breeds in the Arctic regions; winters in South America, migrating through the U. S. in Sept. and May.