204 SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



spend the winter on the open marshes and wastes, 

 or on the coast, where there is a greater certainty 

 of finding food. 



It is in the winter plumage (as shown in the 

 accompanying woodcut) that the Golden Plover is 

 best known to the wild-fowl shooter, by whom it 

 is eagerly sought after, both for sport and profit. 

 The gregarious habits of this bird in winter often 

 lead to large numbers being killed at a single 

 shot, while the estimation in which it is held as an 

 article of food is a sufficient inducement to take 

 some trouble to procure it. 



During the winter months Golden Plovers may 

 often be found consorting with Peewits and Field- 

 fares, and feeding on the same diet; but, inde- 

 pendently of their size, they may always be 

 distinguished when on the ground at a distance 

 by their peculiar motion, running with short quick 

 steps and stopping abruptly ; now and then dipping 

 down the head to seize a worm, and elevating the 

 tail considerably. 



In enclosed districts they are generally to be 

 found on the fallows, where they devour large 

 quantities of earthworms ; but they are particularly 



