PLOVERS. 



343 



Their beak is suf- 

 ciently strong to 

 pierce the earth 

 in search of the 

 worms, and con- 

 sequently the 

 smaller species 

 maybe seen run- 

 ning about in 

 meadows and 

 ne \\iy- ploughed 

 fields. Others, 

 possessed of 

 stronger bills, 

 likewise eat 

 grain and plants. 

 In this tribe are 

 classed FIG 3?6 _ RlNGED P LOVE K. 



The Plovers (Charadrias}. These birds have no hinder toe, and a mode- 

 rate beak, which is compressed and slightly enlarged at the tip. They live 

 together in numerous flocks, frequent damp meadows, and strike the earth 

 with their feet, in order to disturb the worms upon which they live. 



We may also men- 

 tion the Sand- 

 pipers (Tringa) and 

 Oyster-catchers 

 (Hceniatopus) the 

 latter having a beak 

 straight, pointed, 

 compressed into a 

 wedge shape, and 

 sufficiently strong to 

 enable them to open 

 small shell-fish, upon 

 which they feed. 

 They likewise, how- 

 ever, dig in the earth 

 in search of worms. 

 Most of the little birds 

 of this tribe make 

 no regular nest, but 

 deposit their eggs, four in number, in a cavity slightly scratched 



FIG. 377. -NEST OF THE DUNLIX. 



