THE GREAT PLOVER. 



517 



possesses also the two colored meats. The Goran may be expected where the grass is long, 

 near rivers or ponds, and where theae are some portions of marshy ground ; but it avoids 

 showing itself much in the open. The poet has very appropriately designated this bird as the 

 'listless Goran,' for its flight is slow and short, and, if possible, will be avoided altogether. 



"In consequence of these characteristics this bird, if once seen, is almost certain to be 

 'bagged.' It will allow the sportsman to almost ride over it before it will rise ; then a slow, 

 lazy, owl-like flight of about two hundred yards will satisfy its organ of caution. Upon being 

 pursued, it will again lie close, and has to be almost kicked before it will leave the ground ; 

 after which its slow Hight affords even an indifferent shot an excellent chance of killing, for 

 the Goran can carry off very little shot." 



GREAT PLOVEK OR THICK-KNEE.- lEtticnemu* crepitant. 



THE Wading Birds are well furnished with legs and feet formed for walking, and in 

 many species the legs are greatly elongated, so as to enable them to walk in the water while 

 they pick their food out of the waves. 



The Plovers head the list of "Waders, of which our first example is the GREAT PLOVER, 

 or THICK-KNEE. 



It is found in various parts of Europe, where it is known under the names of STONE CUR- 

 LEW and NORFOLK PLOVER. As it comes from the south, it is more common in the southern 

 than in the northern countries. It moves about chiefly in the dark, its large full eyes enabling 

 it to take advantage of the waning light, and to pounce upon the slugs, worms, and insects 

 that come forth by night. The bird is also thought to kill and devour lizards, frogs, and 

 mice ; and the remains of the large hard-shelled beetles have been found within its stomach. 



The note of this Plover is almost human in its intonation, sounding like that strange 

 whistle produced by putting the fingers in the mouth and blowing shrilly through them. The 

 Thick-knee frequents open country and plains, disliking inclosures, and being very fond of 

 downs where sheep are fed in large flocks. It is a cautkras and very shy bird, so that the 

 sportsman cannot, without great trouble, come within shot range. Moreover, it is singularly 

 tenacious of life, and will carry away a large charge of shot without seeming much the worse 

 at the time. 



