PLOVER 



63 



merely in being )-ello\ver on the back and in showing more mottling 

 on the flanks. The chicks in down have a parti-coloured coat of 

 orange-yellow mottled with blackish brown. The weight of a fat 

 plover ranges from 8 to 10 oz. 



In its white under-surface the winter-dress of the plover displays 

 the ordinary protective type of coloration so common among both 

 mammals and birds ; the lightening of the belly being intended 

 to counteract the dark shade thrown by the body in full sunlight. 

 The effect of the summer-dress is, of course, just the reverse of this ; 

 and it would be interesting to 

 ascertain in what, if any, special 

 manner this livery is protective. 



Plover feed upon worms and 

 insects, or on small shell-iish 

 when frequenting the shore, and 

 in winter associate in flocks, 

 which may be small or of con- 

 siderable size. Their flight is 

 strong and rapid, and the flock 

 alights with a sudden downward 

 rush, which when once seen 

 cannot be mistaken. The cry 

 is a kind of two-syllabled whistle ; 

 and the flesh is highly esteemed 

 as an article of food. The eggs, 

 which measure from a little less 

 to a little more than 2 inches in 

 length, are relatively large, show 

 a distinct gloss, and have a 

 ground-colour varying from pale 

 greenish grey to rich buff, upon 

 which are spots and blotches 



of dark brown, reddish brown, and black, with inconspicuous under- 

 lying markings of pale purple. In England these eggs are laid 

 about the middle of May in a tuft of grass, or in a hollow in the 

 ground slightly lined with bents or fibres, and frequently situated 

 among heather. The cock, in some cases at least, takes a share in 

 hatching the eggs. It should be added that it is not this species but 

 the lapwing which affords the main supply of plovers' eggs for the 

 market. Although, as already mentioned, they may be found breeding 

 in marshes, these birds generally keep to the uplands in summer. 



STUDIOS 



PLOVER IX SUMMEK-DKESS. 



