SANDERLING PLOVER. ^6$ 



form, &c, by winch they are easily distinguished from the 

 former. The present species, though possessing the bill, gene- 

 ral figure, manners, and voice of the sandpipers, feeding in the 

 same way, and associating with these in particular, yet want- 

 ing the hind toe, has been classed with the plovers, with whom, 

 this single circumstance excepted, it has no one character- 

 istic in common. Though we have not, in the present instance, 

 presumed to alter this arrangement, yet it appears both reason- 

 able and natural that, where the specific characters in any 

 bird seem to waver between two species, that 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 

 instance, 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 in- 

 terest or attention. It makes its appearance on our sea-coasts 

 early in September, continues during the greater part of winter, 

 and, on the approach of spring, returns to the northern regions 

 to breed. While here, it seems perpetually busy running along 

 the wave- worn strand, following the flux and reflux of the 

 surf, eagerly picking up its food from the sand amid the roar 

 of the ocean. It flies in numerous flocks, keeping a low mean- 

 dering course along the ridges of the tumbling surf. On 

 alighting, the whole scatter about after the receding wave, 

 busily picking up those minute bivalves already described. 

 As the succeeding wave returns, it bears the whole of them 

 before it in one crowded line ; then is the moment seized by 

 the experienced gunner to sweep them in flank with his 

 destructive shot. The flying survivors, after a few aerial 

 meanders, again alight, and pursue their usual avocation as 

 busily and unconcernedly as before. These birds are most 

 numerous on extensive sandy beaches in front of the ocean. 

 Among rocks, marshes, or stones covered with seaweed, they 

 seldom make their appearance. 



The sanderling is eight inches long, and fourteen inches in 



