Upland Plover — Bartramian Sandpiper
261. Bartramia longicauda. 12 inches.
This is a bird of the hillsides or prairies, seldom being found near the water, their food consisting more of insects and worms than is usual with others of the Plover or Sandpiper families. They are quite shy, and are one of the birds much hunted for the table. Upper parts almost black, with feathers all edged with buff, giving them a very mottled appearance. Black on top of the head; neck light buff, streaked with black; under parts white.
Nest.—Usually placed in fields of grass, in slight hollows of the ground, lined with grass. They are frequently made and eggs deposited in good mowing fields just about the time for cutting the grass, and many nests are destroyed at this time.