228 GRALLATORES. SQUATAROLA. PLOVER. 



part of their summer plumage, and the breast is seen beauti- 

 fully spotted with black, and in which state it is also found 

 in spring, when beginning to assume the nuptial dress. 

 These feathers rapidly give place to others of a different co- 

 lour, and early in October the winter plumage is completed. 

 Since the study of natural history became so prevalent, orni- 

 thological specimens have acquired a proportionate value ; 

 and, in consequence, a keener look-out is now kept by the 

 regular shooters of wild-fowl. To this must be attributed 

 the supply of these birds sent from Norfolk, and other parts 

 of the eastern coast, in the month of May, while on their 

 passage to the north. At this season they have all com- 

 menced the change of plumage, and are killed in various 

 stages of its progress, some few nearly in the perfect garb, 

 and answering to the description of the Tringa Helvetica 

 of authors. In its form and appearance, as well as in the 

 disposition of its colours (in all its states of plumage), the 

 present species very closely resembles the Golden Plover 

 (Charadrius Pluvmlis), and, except upon strict examination, 

 may be very readily confounded with it. It is, however, ra- 

 ther superior in size, and in possessing a hind toe (or rather 

 daw), as well as in the long black under coverts of the wings, 

 furnishes constant and sufficient marks of distinction. Its 

 bill, upon comparison, will also be found much stronger than 

 either that of the Plover or Lapwing, approaching closely in 

 form to that of the genus (Edicnemus. On our coast it is 

 found in oozy bays, or at the mouths of rivers, where it 

 Food, feeds upon worms, marine insects, &c. It runs with agility, 

 and utters a piping whistle, similar to, but not quite so 

 shrill as, that of the Golden Plover. Its flesh is tender and 

 well flavoured, and in high esteem for the table. The species 

 is widely distributed, being found throughout the temperate 

 and colder parts of all the northern hemisphere, in Europe, 

 it is common in Russia; also in France and Switzerland 

 during the times of its migrations ; upon the coasts of Hol- 

 land it is a regular periodical visitant, and, according to 





