GREY PLOVER. 161 



parently paired, and of course in their matrimonial livery. 

 By the end of August these birds return there again from 

 the north, but the general migration continues through 

 September, October, and November, until snow and frost 

 hurry them to the south. The greater numbers that occur 

 on the coast of the Baltic and in Holland in the autumn 

 are believed to have come from the coast of the White Sea, 

 and to be only resting there on their way towards their winter 

 quarters. 



The most extensive flat shores are the chosen spots for 

 the Grey Plover, provided low meadows and marshy lands 

 are within reach, on which it passes most of its time during 

 high-water, and returns again to the sea-shore, like most of 

 its family, as soon as the waves retire. It frequents also 

 those shores where heath plants are the only vegetation. 

 Hilly and rocky coasts, or parts where trees abound, it avoids 

 entirely. 



This species feeds morning and evening, and roosts dur- 

 ing the day time, either standing or squatting on the ground, 

 and its migratory flights are performed during the night 

 time. 



The food of the Grey Plover is chiefly Avorms, beetles, 

 and their larvse, which it finds on meadows, wastes, &c, and 

 marine insects, shore- worms (arenicola lumbricoidcs), and the 

 softer shell-fishes, which it obtains on the sea-side, from among 

 the sea-weeds and muddy spots. Like the golden plover 

 the present species devours berries of the genus Vaccinium and 

 Emp.etrum. 



In confinement the Grey Plover thrives very well on 

 bread and milk, intermixed with a few worms and meat. 



The general appearance of the present species is peculiar 

 to itself; it walks about on the ground slowly and with 

 grace, and stops every now and then to pick up its food ; it 



o 3 



