aoa) 
RINGED PLOVER is a common and resident species on our coasts, and inland lakes, and 
on migration on the banks of rivers. 
LEssER RINGED PLover is of very rare occurrence in England, and has not been met with 
in Wales, Ireland or Scotland. A small form of the Ringed Plover has often been 
mistaken for it. 
KENTISH PLOVER is found in small numbers on the coasts of England, but does not 
winter with us, is a very rare visitant to Ireland, and does not occur in Scotland. 
Formerly it used to breed not uncommonly on our Southern coasts, but has been 
nearly exterminated, chiefly by collectors. 
DotteEREL arrives in April and leaves us again in August or September, and breeds in 
greatly diminished numbers in the Lake districts and in Scotland, but is of rare 
occurrence in Ireland. It has been subject to great persecution by collectors, and 
owing to its feathers being held in esteem by anglers for dressing artificial flies. 
LaPWING is common and resident throughout the British Islands, but appears to be more 
numerous in winter. 
Besides the above, there are several other species which are met with only as rare visitants 
and are, therefore, not included. ‘These are the Eastern Golden Plover (Charadrius fulvus) 
the Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorius gallicus), the Sociable Plover (Chettusia gregaria), and 
the Killdeer Plover (4gtaditis vocifera ). 
IV. Food. 
All the above species feed on worms, beetles, insects of various kinds, shrimps, sand- 
hoppers, small molluscs, etc., and are, therefore, not only harmless, but of considerable use. 
V. Characteristics. 
The Stone Curlew frequents chalk downs, open heaths, and sandy soil ; the Golden Plover 
the sea coast, moors, heaths, and ploughed fields, the last especially, in winter. The Lapwing 
is usually found on inland heaths and marshes, and in winter on cultivated land. The Dotterel 
frequents moorland, especially in elevated localities, and is partial to chalky soil, and the 
Kentish and Ringed Plovers frequent the sea coast, sandy dunes, and even inland lakes. ‘Those 
that breed with us spread about in suitable localities during the breeding season, but on passage 
and in winter they collect in small family parties or flocks, and at that season almost all are 
more frequently to be met with on the coasts, where they are better able to find food. They 
nest on the ground; the Dotterel depositing three, but all the rest usually lay four eggs, and 
the young are able to run directly they leave the shell; and, when an intruder approaches. 
hide at once, and are not easily seen, as their colours assimilate so closely with the surroundings, 
The note of all the Ringed Plovers and of the Grey and Golden Plovers is a clear loud 
whistle, and the Stone Curlew has a loud, shrill, call note, not unlike that of the Curlew. 
VI. Protection. 
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—These birds appear in the Schedule, which applies 
to every county in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner, occupler, or other person 
taking, killing, etc., a Plover during close season,* or possessing or selling a Plover atter 15th 
March, is liable to a penalty of #1 for each bird. 
* Generally from Ist March to 31st July ; but in some counties from Ist Febiuary to 31st August in each 
year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896. 
