The Golden Plover. 



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THE GOLDEN PLOVEE, (CJiaradrius pluvidis,) 



Is about the size of the former. The colour of the whole 

 tipper side is black, thick set with yellowish green spots ; 

 the breast brown, with spots as on the back; the body 

 is white. The male of this species is also black beneath 

 in the spring. The flesh is sweet and tender, and there- 

 fore esteemed a choice dish in this and other countries. 



The Golden Plover feeds principally during the night, 

 and during the day-time may be seen sitting or stand- 

 ing on the ground, asleep. The parent birds are very 

 careful in guarding their young. When any intruder 

 approaches their nest, they use all sorts of stratagems 

 to divert his attention. 



The " Plover eggs," frequently seen at the tables of 

 the opulent and luxurious, are not those of the Plover, 

 but of the Lapwing. 



2B 



