SANDERLING PLOVER. 503 
SANDERLING PLOVER. — CHARADRIUS CALIDRIS.— 
Fig. 236. . 
Linn, Syst. 255. — Arct. Zool. fp: 486, No. 403. — Le Sanderling, Buf. vii, 532, — 
Bewick, ii. 19. — Peale’s Museum, No. 4204. 
CALIDRIS ARENARIA, — ItiicEn.* 
Charadrius calidris, Wits. Ist edit. vii. p. 68; and Ch. rubidus, Wils. 1st edit. vii. 
p. 129.—Calidris, Ilig. Prod. Mum. et Av. p. 249.—Ruddy Plover, Penn. 
Arct. Zool. ii. p. 486 ; summer plumage. — Sanderling variable, (Calidris arena- 
ria,) Temm. Man. d’ Orn. ii, 524.— Tringa (Calidris) arenaria, Bonap. Synop. — 
Calidris arenaria, Fiem. Br. Zool. p. 112. — North. Zool. ii. p- 366. 
In this well-known bird, we have another proof of the imperfection 
of systematic arrangement, where no attention is paid to the general 
habits, but where one single circumstance is sometimes considered 
sufficient to determine the species. The genus Plover is character- 
ized by several strong family traits, one of which is that of wanting 
the hind toe. The Sandpipers have also their peculiar external char- 
acters of bill, general form, &c., by which they are easily distinguished 
from the former. ‘The present species, (Fig. 236,) though possessing 
the bill, general figure, manners, and voice of the Sandpipers, feeding 
in the same way, and associating with these in particular, yet wanting 
the hind toe, has been classed with the Plovers, with whom, this sin- 
gle circumstance excepted, it has no one characteristic in common. 
Though we have not, in the present instance, presumed to alter this 
arrangement, yet it appears both reasonable and natural that, where 
the specific characters in any bird seem to waver between two species, 
the figure, voice, and habits of the equivocal one should always be 
taken into consideration, and be allowed finally to determine the class 
to which it belongs. Had this rule been followed in the present in- 
stance, the bird we are now about to describe would have undoubtedly 
been classed with the Sandpipers. 
The history of this species has little in it to excite our interest or 
attention. It makes its appearance on our sea-coasts early in Septem- 
ber, continues during the greater part of winter, and, on the approach 
of spring, returns to the northern regjons to breed. While here, it 
seems perpetually busy, running along the wave-worn strand, follow- 
ing the flux and reflux of the surf, eagerly picking up its food from 
* Calidris was established for this single species, common over the world. and 
of form intermediate between the Plovers and Sandpipers. ‘Their make is thicker ; 
they are less slender than the Sandpipers ; the bill stronger, but, as in that group, 
the feet similar to those of the Charadrii; and with their manner of running and 
walking, they possess that peculiar crouch of the head upon the back seen ‘in the 
Common Ring Plover and its allies. In its summer plumage, it more resembles 
the changes exhibited in the Knot and Pygmy Curlew than those of the Dunlins. 
On the shores of Britain, it is generally met with in winter in small flocks, or in 
spring and autumn, when going to or returning from their breeding quarters. 
By Mr. Hutchins it is said to make its nest rudely of grass in the marshes, and 
lays four dusky colored eggs, spotted with black. — Ep, 
