GREAT PLOVER, OR THICK-KNEE.— 'fEVicitcmus crepitans. 



avoids showing itself much in tlie open. The poet has very appropriately designated this 

 Inrd as the ' listless Goran,' for its flight is slow and short, and, if possible, will be avoided 

 ahogether. 



In consequence of these characteristics this bird, if once seen, is almost certain to be 

 ' bagged.' It will allow the sportsman to almost ride over it before it will rise ; then a 

 slow, lazy, owl-like flight of about two hundred yards will satisfy its organ of caiition. 

 Upon being pursued, it will again lie close, and has to be almost kicked before it will leave 

 the ground ; after which its slow flight affords even an indifferent shot an excellent chance 

 of killing, for the Goran can carry off very little shot." 



The Wading Birds are well furnished with legs and feet formed for walking, and in 

 many species the legs are greatly elongated, so as to enable them to walk in the water 

 while they pick their food out of the waves. 



In the British Museum the Plovers head the list of Waders, of which our first 

 example is the Great Plover, or Thick- knee, of England. 



It is not an uncommon visitor to this country, spending the months between April and 

 September within our coasts, and being found in various parts of England, where it is 

 known under the names of Stone Gurlew and Norfolk Plover. As it comes from the 

 south, it is more common in the southern than in the northern counties. It moves about 

 chiefly in the dark, its large full eyes enabling it to take advantage of the waning light, 

 and to pounce upon the slugs, worms, and insects that come forth by night. The bird is 

 also thought to kiU and devour lizards, frogs, and mice ; and the remains of the large 

 hard-shelled beetles have been found within its stomach. 



The note of this Plover is almost human in its intonation, sounding like that strange 

 whistle produced by putting the fingers in the mouth and blowing shrilly through tJiem. 

 The Thick-knee frequents open country and plains, disliking inclosures, and being 

 very fond of downs where sheep are fed in large flocks. It is a cautious and very shy 

 l)ird, so that the sportsman cannot, without great t^-ouble, come within shot range. More- 

 over, it is singularly tenacious of life, and will carry away a large charge of shot without 

 seeming much the worse at the time. 



