Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/172

134 The head and beak are pointed straight forward in one line with the neck, which is stretched straight out to its fullest extent, the crest lying flat down upon it. Evidently he is under the sway of some special feeling, which is, as evidently, of a sexual character. In this strange, set attitude, and with these funny little set, formal steps, he advances without a pause for some twenty or thirty yards, then stops, and, without leaning forward on his breast, elevates the tail, waggles it strongly from side to side with the same peculiar action as before, and then flies off.

Another—or it may be the same—bird is now acting in a similar manner, though there are some points of difference. Although his breast is inclined forward, he does not roll, but, standing thus, keeps constantly moving the tail up and down with the same motion—carrying with it the same suggestion—as before; whilst at intervals he turns on his feet, where he stands, round, or nearly round. These actions are certainly sexual, and seem intended to be more than mere nuptial antics. They suggest—and still more is this the case where the bird rolls on the ground with motions of the anal parts precisely similar to those which may be observed whilst pairing is actually taking place—an attempt (conscious or unconscious) to satisfy sexual desire other than by the ordinary channel.

March 9th.—A Peewit rolling on the warrens between 12.30 and 1 p.m. This bird seems to be quite alone. I cannot, with the glasses, see any others either on the land or flying.

March 14th.—A Peewit rolling. The tail and anal parts are moved—wriggled—in an unmistakable manner, which suggests—and only suggests—the actual act of pairing. Another bird is near during this, but does not seem interested in the rolling one, and the latter soon flies away without paying it any attention. Yet it is to be remarked that the under tail-coverts of the Peewit (just that part exposed during the rolling) are of a rich bright chestnut, which becomes, then, very conspicuous.

March 21st.—Have just watched a Peewit rolling in a very conspicuous manner. It was a full back view, and, as the tail was flung up and twisted from side to side, the rich chestnut under tail-coverts were very conspicuous indeed. The wings were, also, a little quivered, being at the same time drooped and