THE PLOVER. 355 



The Black-bellied Plover (C. Apricarius) is known in some 

 parts of the country by the name of the large Whistling Field 

 Plover. It generally makes its first appearance in Pennsyl- 

 vania late in April ; frequents the countries towards the 

 mountains ; seems particularly attached to newly ploughed 

 fields, where it forms its nest of a few slight materials, as 

 slightly put together. The female lays four eggs, large for 

 the size of the bird, of a light olive color, dashed with black ; 

 and has frequently two broods in the same season. It is an 

 extremely shy and watchful bird, though clamorous during 

 breeding time. The young are without the black color on 

 the breast and belly until the second year ; and the colors of 

 the plumage above are 'likewise imperfect till then. They 

 feed on worms, grubs, winged insects, and various kinds of 

 berries, particularly those usually called dew-berries, and are 

 at such times considered exquisite eating. About the. begin- 

 ning of September, they descend with their young to the sea- 

 coast, and associate with the numerous multitudes then return- 

 ing from their breeding places in the north. At this season 

 they abound on the plains of Long Island. They have a loud 

 whistling note ; often fly at a great height ; and are called 

 by many gunners along the coast, the Black-bellied Kildeer. 

 The young of the first year have considerable resemblance to 

 those of the Golden Plover ; but may be easily distinguished 

 from this last by the largeness of their head and bill, and in 

 being at least two inches more in length. 



The history of another species called the Sanderling Plover 

 (C. Calidris.) has little in it to excite our interest or attention. 

 It makes its appearance on our seacoasts early in September ; 

 continues the greater part of the 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 the flux and reflux of the surf, eagerly pick- 

 ing up its food from the sand, amid the roar of the ocean. It 

 flies in numerous flocks, keeping a low meanderng course 

 along the ridges of the tumbling surf. On alighting, the 

 whole scatter about after the receding wave, busily picking up 



