GOLDEN PLOVER. 289 



flats and sand banks. This consists of small marine 

 animals, and of insects, worms, slugs, etc. They feed 

 principally at night time. The flesh of the Golden 

 Plover is considered very good eating, being in perfec- 

 tion in September and October; consequently large 

 numbers are shot for the table. 



These birds may be easily recognised by their slender 

 beaks and feet, pointed wings and golden plumage. In 



GOLDEN PLOVER. 



the breeding season the feathers on the upper part of 

 the body are black, thickly covered with small green or 

 golden yellow spots ; the entire under side is black. 



Few birds vary so much in their spring and autumn 

 plumage. In the autumn the throat and breast become 

 spotted with yellowish grey, belly white ; the black tail 

 feathers are streaked with white, and the black throat 

 has a white stripe. 



The Golden Plover is very wary if her nest is ap- 

 19 



