82 BRITISH SEA BIRDS. 



grounds, but a fair number linger upon them 

 throughout the winter. The Gray Plover may be 

 readily distinguished from the preceding, as well as 

 from all other allied forms, by the presence of a 

 rudimentary hind toe, and by its black axillaries. 

 In its seasonal changes of plumage it closely 

 resembles its ally. In the adult plumage, however, 

 it never exhibits any of the yellow, drop-like, spots 

 on the upper parts, so characteristic of that bird in 

 every feather stage of its existence. Gray Plovers 

 begin to arrive on the British coasts as early as 

 August, and the migration continues with increas- 

 ing strength until October or November. Such 

 individuals as pass our islands for more southern 

 haunts return along the British coasts during May 

 and June. During its sojourn with us, the Gray 

 Plover confines itself almost entirely to the mud- 

 flats and salt marshes. It does not gather into 

 such large companies as the Golden Plover but 

 this may be due, perhaps, to its smaller numbers 

 and is often seen in pairs or small parties, whilst 

 odd birds will occasionally attach themselves to 

 flocks of Knots and Dunlins. In its habits 

 generally, in its flight, and in its food, it closely 

 resembles its commoner and better known ally. 

 The note uttered whilst the bird lives upon our 

 coasts resembles that of the Golden Plover. 



The breeding-grounds of the Gray Plover are on 

 the tundras and barren grounds in the Arctic regions 

 of the Old and New Worlds, above the limits of 



