82 BRITISH SEA BIRDS: 
grounds, but a fair number linger upon them 
throughout the winter. The Gray Plover may be 
readily distinguished from the preceding, as well as 
from all other allied forms, by the presence of a 
rudimentary hind toe, and by its d/ack axillaries. 
In its seasonal changes of plumage it closely 
resembles its ally. In the adult plumage, however, 
it never exhibits any of the yellow, drop-like, spots 
on the upper parts, so characteristic of that bird in 
every feather stage of its existence. Gray Plovers 
begin to arrive on the British coasts as early as 
August, and the migration continues with increas- 
ing strength until October or November. Such 
individuals as pass our islands for more southern 
haunts return along the British coasts during May 
and June. During its sojourn with us, the Gray 
Plover confines itself almost entirely to the mud- 
flats and salt marshes. It does not gather into 
such large companies as the Golden Plover—but 
this may be due, perhaps, to its smaller numbers— 
and is often seen in pairs or small parties, whilst 
odd birds will occasionally attach themselves ‘to 
flocks of Knots and Dunlins. In its habits 
generally, in its flight, and in its food, it closely 
resembles its commoner and better known ally. 
The note uttered whilst the bird lives upon our 
coasts resembles that of the Golden Plover. 
The breeding-grounds of the Gray Plover are on 
the tundras and barren grounds in the Arctic regions 
of the Old and New Worlds, above the limits of 
