PLOVERS. 34: 



coast, frequently near creeks and., the mouths of rivers where the 

 shore is composed of gravel ; but during the summer months they 

 separate in pairs, and frequent the banks of rivers, inland lakes, 

 elevated mountains, and open moors. Their food consists of small 

 insects and molluscous animals of various kinds. These they seek 



^^■= 



I'lG. 173.— The Kinged Ploveu (Chayaarius H'uutcitui). 



in the evening or by night. Their flight is strong and rapid, but 

 does not extend far at a time ; they sometimes run with great 

 swiftness. Their note is a plaintive whistle often repeated. The 

 nest is a slight hollow, lined with a few stems of dry grass. The 

 eggs are usually four in number, and when they are hatched the 

 parents protect the young brood with great courage and cunning 

 till they are able to fly. If disturbed by an enemy, they generally 

 run for some distance from the nest, and then usually pretend 

 that they are wounded, tumbling over on the ground, or feigning 

 lameness. 



The Golden Plover {Clia7-adriiis phtvialis) is a permanent resident in 

 Britain, where it is found in considerable numbers on hills and swampy 

 grounds, especially in the northern districts. It is also widely distributed in 

 the northern hemisphere, and appears to resort in great numbers in sumrner 

 even to within the Arctic circle to breed. Like other plovers, this species 

 associates in considerable flocks, and utters a shrill, whistling note. It feeds 



