The Plovers. 



167 



THE 



GOLDEN PLOVER 



{Chnraiifius 



phtvinlis.) 



adult of the Golden Plovers. From these, however, they may be always told by their 

 black axillaries, and by the presence of the hind toe. 



Although the Grey Plover arrives on our coasts in spring in full breeding dress, 

 with its beautiful black and grey plumage fully developed, it does not nest in Great 

 Britain, and is only known as a spring and autumn migrant, a few remaining 

 through the winter months. It breeds in the Arctic Regions of both Hemispheres, 

 and eggs have been obtained in Kolguev and in the Valley of the Petchora, as well as in 

 Alaska and on the Anderson River in North America. It is a maritime Plover during 

 the winter season, and wanders south to Africa, India and Australia, and in the 

 New World to Brazil and Peru. The nest is simply a hollow in the moss of the 

 tundra, and the eggs, four in number, are intermediate in colour and markings 

 between those of the Lapwing and Golden Plover, and measure about two inches 

 in length, or a little more. 



The Golden Plovers have no hind-toe, and may be easily 

 recognised by the golden colour of the upper surface. The 

 common Golden Plover is at once determined by its white 

 axillaries, which distinguish it from the Grey Plover, both in 

 summer and winter plumage. It breeds on the moorlands of the 

 United Kingdom, being more plentiful in Scotland and Ireland, but it is also found 

 nesting in the wilder districts of England and Wales. In winter it frequents the 

 mud -flats on the coasts, as well as inland pastures. It inhabits the northern 

 and central districts of Europe during the breeding-season, and winters in the 

 Mediterranean countries and in Africa. The nest consists of a depression in the 

 ground or tuft of grass, and is made of a few stems of dry grass with a little heather 

 and moss. The colour of the eggs varies from a clay-brown to a light stone-grej', 

 with lines and blotches of black, and underlying markings of reddish brown. The 

 length is from an inch-and-three-quarters to two inches, or a little more. 



This is smaller than the common Golden Plover, and has much 

 more slender legs. It goes 

 through the same changes 

 of plumage, but can be re- 

 cognised at all ages by it.s 

 smoky-brown a.xillaries. Four examples of this 

 small Golden Plover have been obtained in 

 Great Britain, two in England and two in 

 Scotland It breeds in the high north of 

 both Hemispheres, and in winter wanders to 

 India, the Moluccas, and Australia, as well 

 as to South America. In habits the species 

 resembles C. pluvialis, and it makes its nest 

 in a depression in the moss, or scantily lines The Lesser Golden Plover. 



THE LESSER 



GOLDEN PLOVER 



[Charadriits 



tioiiiinicus.) 



