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 THE GOLDEN PLOVER. 



ChARADRIUS PLUVIALIS, LiNN. 

 PLATE CCC. Adult in Spring and in Winter, and variety. 



The Golden Plover spends the autumn, winter, and part of the spring, 

 in various portions of the United States, appearing in considerable num- 

 bers both along the coast and in the interior, and not unfrequently on our 

 highest grounds. A much greater number, however, proceed in severe win- 

 ters beyond the Kmits of our Southern States, and the partial migrations of 

 this species are much influenced by the state of the weather. They are 

 more abundant along the sea shores of the Middle and Eastern Districts, 

 from the middle of April to the beginning of May, whereas in autumn 

 they range over the interior, and more especially the western prairies. In 

 the early part of May they congregate in immense flocks, and commence 

 their journey toward more northern regions, where they are said to breed. 



The account which Wilson gave of this species refers in part to the 

 " Bidl-headed Plover," Charadrius helveticus, although his figure cannot be 

 mistaken for that of the latter, even in its first autumnal dress. But the 

 Editor of the second edition of Wilson's work has rejected the Golden 

 Plover as an American Bird, although he might have frequently seen it 

 in the very markets of Philadelphia. The Prince of Musignano corrected 

 this error, in 'his valuable " Observations on the Nomenclature of Wil- 

 son's Ornithology." Mr Selby, in speaking of the Golden Plover, gives 

 it as his opinion, that the bird so called in America, differs from that of 

 Europe. This opinion, however, I cannot consider as correct, as I have 

 seen and examined the Golden Plovers of both countries, and have found 

 their manners, tone of voice, and appearance, precisely similar. 



This bird moves on the ground with sprightliness. When observed, 

 it often runs with considerable rapidity to some distance, suddenly stops 

 short, nods once or twice, vibrating its body at the same time, and if it 

 should imagine itself unnoticed, it often lies down and remains crouched 

 until the danger is over. At the time of. their departure from the north, 

 and while on the sands or mud-bars on the sea shore, they often raise their 

 wings as if to air them for a few moments. While searching for food, 

 they move in a direct manner, often look sideways toward the ground, and 



