SPECIES 7. CHARJIDRIUS CALIDRIS.* 

 SANDERLING PLOVER. 



[Plate LIX. Fig. 4.f] 



LINN. Syst. Z55.Jlrct. Zool. p. 486, JVb. 403. Le Sanderling, 

 BUFF, vii, 532. BEWICK, n, 19. PEALE'S Museum, JVo. 4204. 



IN this well known bird we have another proof of the im- 

 perfection of systematic arrangement, where no attention is paid 

 to the general habits; but where one single circumstance is some- 

 times considered sufficient to determine the species. The genus 

 Plover is characterized by several strong family traits, one of 

 which is that of wanting the hind toe. The Sandpipers have 

 also their peculiar external characters of bill, general form, &c., 

 by which they are easily distinguished from the former. The 

 present species, though possessing the bill, general figure, man- 

 ners and voice, of the Sandpipers, feeding in the same way, and 

 associating with these in particular; yet, wanting the hind toe, 

 has been classed with the Plovers, with whom, this single cir- 

 cumstance excepted, it has no one characteristic in common. 

 Though we have not, in the present instance, presumed to alter 

 this arrangement, yet it appears both reasonable and natural, 

 that where the specific characters in any bird seem to waver be- 

 tween two species, that the figure, voice and habits of the equi- 

 vocal one should always be taken into consideration, and be al- 

 lowed finally to determine the class to which it belongs. Had 

 this rule been followed in the present instance, the bird we are 



* Calidris arcnaria, ORD'S reprint, vol. vir, p. 72. Tringa arenaria, GMEL. 

 Syst. i, p. 680, No. 16. LATH. Syn. in, 197, No. 4. Ind. Orn. p. 741, No. 

 4. Calidris grisca minor, BRISS. T, p. 236, pi. 20, fig 2. TKMM. Man. rf'Orn, 

 p. 524. 



f Winter dress. 



