458 CLASS AVES. 



sombre colours, the distribution of which is, however, not 

 unpleasing. Most of them undergo a double moulting, 

 and are vested in various liveries, according to age and sex. 

 Some species have spines, which serve as defensive weapons, 

 attached to their wings ; some others have fleshy appendages 

 at the base of the bill. The plovers emigrate every year, 

 in flocks of greater or less numbers, and this principally takes 

 place in Autumn, during the rainy season, whence their 

 French name (pluviers) is derived, and of which our word 

 plover is an obvious corruption. At this time they are seen 

 in the greatest abundance. They do not remain quiet when 

 on the ground, but are seen in incessant motion. They fly in 

 an extended file, or in transverse zones, very narrow and of a 

 great length. Their flesh is delicate and much esteemed. 

 They are frequently taken, in great quantities, in the 

 countries where they are common, by means of nets variously 

 fabricated. 



Of these, the first and most common is the Golden Plover 

 (Charadrius Pluvialis). This bird frequents humid and 

 marshy grounds. In winter it is very common on the coasts 

 of France and Holland. It is found in England during the 

 entire year ; it is also very abundant in the Highlands of 

 Scotland, in the Western Islands, and in the Isle of Man. 

 It is again found in America, in Asia, and in the Islands of 

 the South Sea. Throughout the north of Europe it is com- 

 mon, and in all parts of Germany, Italy, and Spain. From 

 the latter country we trace it into Barbary, and other parts 

 of Africa ; and it is to be found as far to the south-east of 

 Asia, as India, China, and the Archipelago of the Eastern 

 Ocean. 



These birds lay from three to five eggs, of rather an olive- 

 green colour, with black spots. They live on worms, insects, 

 and larvae. There is very little difference in appearance 

 between the male and female. 



