somewhat extended from the sides. During this display, or whatever it may be called, I noticed another Peewit on the ground, and advancing towards the one rolling, with a very intent look. It soon appeared, however, that the intentness was only in regard to getting food. The bird, though approaching the other (by chance, I now think),[1] was merely feeding, and, when fairly near, turned deliberately round, and seemed to take no more notice.
March 25th.—A Peewit is now rolling very pronouncedly, and a strange performance it is. The whole body seems lifted up, so that the bird, though sitting, is resting only on his breast, the rest of him being in the air. The breast is thus pressed into the sand, whilst a rolling or side to side movement of it, varying in force, and by no means always apparent, helps to make a cup-shaped hollow. This curious, raised attitude alternates with a more ordinary sitting posture. After each raising of the wings and tail they are depressed, again raised, and so on, whilst at intervals there is the curious waggle of the tail, as before described, suggesting actual copulation. Another Peewit is near, and, whilst this proceeds, comes nearer and nearer, this time, I think, really actuated by an interest in the performance. As it gets closer the other seems to become more excited. The advancing Peewit stops when only a foot or two off, and seems again indifferent, and the rolling one flies right up from his rolling attitude, without even first rising out of it—as far as I can see. He scuds away, and soon begins to sweep and throw in the air. Another Peewit that I now see rolling rises and makes a long and uninterrupted run, with the funny little mincing steps and curious attitudes once before described, right up to the immediate proximity of three Stock-Doves, and, at hardly a yard off one of them, begins to roll again. The Stock-Doves take no notice, as far as can be judged by appearances, and the Peewit, ceasing suddenly with a little start, as though he recognized his error, flies away.
March 29th.—A Peewit rolling. Another appears close amidst the grass, and comes up to it with the funny little step and head held straight out in a line with the body. As it gets up the rolling bird rises and goes a step or two farther off, then,
- ↑ Subsequent entries, however, make this conclusion of no value.
