Species VII. CHARADRIUS CALIDRIS* 



SANDERLING PLOVER. 



[Plate LIX. Fig. 4.t] 



Linn. Syst. 2.55. — Arct. Zool. p. 486, No. 403. — Le Sanderling, Buff, vii., 5.32. — 



Bewick, ii., 19. 



In this well known bird we have another proof of the imperfection of 

 systematic arrangement, where no attention is paid to the general 

 habits ; but where one single circumstance is sometimes considered suffi- 

 cient to determine the species. The genus Plover is characterized by 

 several strong family traits, one of which is that of wanting the hind 

 toe. The Sandpipers have also their peculiar external characters of 

 bill, general form, &c., by which they are easily distinguished from the 

 former. The present species, though possessing the bill, general figure, 

 manners and voice, of the Sandpipers, feeding the same way, and asso- 

 ciating with these in particular ; yet, wanting the hind toe, has been 

 classed with the Plovers, with whom, this single circumstance excepted, 

 it has no one characteristic in common. Though we have not, in the 

 present instance, presumed to alter this arrangement, yet it appears 

 both reasonable and natural, that where the specific characters in any 

 bird seem to waver between two species, that the figure, voice and habits 

 of the equivocal one should always be taken into consideration, and be 

 allowed finally to determine the class to which it belongs. Had this rule 

 been followed in the present instance, the bird we are now about to 

 describe would have undoubtedly been classed with the Sandpipers. J 



The history of this species has little in it to excite our interest or 

 attention. It makes its appearance on our seacoasts early in Septem- 

 ber ; continues during the greater part of winter ; and on the approach 

 of spring, returns to the northern regions to breed. While here, it 

 seems perpetually busy, running along the wave-worn strand, following 



* Calidris arenaria, Ord's reprint, vol. vii., p. 72. — Tringa arencria, Gmel. Si/si. 

 I., p. 680, No. 16.— Lath. Si/n. in., 197, No. A.—Ind. Orn. p. 741, No. 4.— Calidris 

 grisea minor, Briss. v., p. 236, pi. 20, fig. 2. — Temm. Man. d' Orn. p. 524. 



•f Winter dress. 



Jit is now arranged by naturalists in the genus Calidris, of Illiger ; a genus 

 constructed expressly for this bird ; and it is the only species of the genus yet 

 discovered." 



(368) 



