Dotterel

Dotterel (Eudromias morinellus). a bird of the Plover family visiting England, chiefly the eastern counties, in the summer, sometimes breeding in the northern parts of Britain. Its length is about 9J inches; the summer plumage brownish-grey above, ferruginous beneath, with some white on the head and breast, and a black patch on the belly. In winter the colour is mostly blackish-ash, with a white patch on the breast. These birds, which are prized for the table, have an undeserved reputation for stupidity. The Ring Dotterel (AEgialitis hiaticula), common on the British coasts all the year round, is said to act as sentinel to some of its allies.