GOLDEN PLOVER. 



Chaeadriid^.] 



CHARADEIUS PLUVIALIS, Li.vnjsus. 



Explanation of Plate. 



Figure 1. Northuravine, Shetland, June 5, 1891. In collection of H. Massey, Esq. 



2. Harray, Orkney, April 24, 1891. Ditto. 



3. Haltwhistle, Northumberland, May 15, 1887. In collection of R. W. 

 Chase, Esq. 



4. Harray, Orkney, April 24, 1891. In collection of H. Massey, Esq. 



5. Yorkshire. Ditto. 



6. Settle, Yorkshire, May 19, 1888. Ditto. 



7. Banffshire, April 12, 1893. In collection of F. Poynting. 



8. Wasdale, Orkney, April 24, 1891. In collection of H. Massey, Esq. 



9. Sweden, May 30, 1889. Ditto. 



This species is resident but partially migratory, and breeds in various parts 

 of the British Islands, but is most plentiful on migi'ation and during the winter. 



Macgillivray writes * : — " The Golden Plover is generally distributed over 

 Britain in the winter season, when it frequents the open plains and ploughed 

 fields so long as the weather remains mild, but betakes itself to the sea-shore and 

 its vicinity when there is frost. In many parts of Scotland, but especially in the 

 Northern Highlands, and in the Hebrides, it is a very common bird. When the 

 weather begins to improve towards the end of spring, the Plovers may be seen 

 flying over the shores or the fields in their neighbourhood at a great height, in 

 loose flocks, which now extend into a wide front, now form irregular angular 

 lines, move with a quiet and regular flight, frequently emitting their peculiar soft 

 notes, and at times uttering a singular cry, somewhat resembling the syllables 

 courlie-wee. These flocks are leaving their winter haunts, and returning to the 

 inland moors, over which they disperse in pairs. 



" In the beginning of May, should you traverse one of the dreary heaths, you 

 will often hear the plaintive cry of the Plover, mingling, perhaps, with the feeble 



* ' History of British Birds, Indigenous and Migratory,' rol. iv. pp. 99, 100. 



C 



