The Plovers. 
167 
THE 
GOLDEN PLOVER 
(Charadrius 
pluvialis.) 
adult of the Golden Plovers. From these, however, they may be always told by their 
black axillaries, and by the presence of the hind toe. 
Although the Grey Plover arrives on our coasts in spring in full breeding dress, 
with its beautiful black and grey plumage fully developed, it does not nest in Great 
Britain, and is only known as a spring and autumn migrant, a few remaining 
through the winter months. It breeds in the Arctic Regions of both Hemispheres, 
and eggs have been obtained in Kolguev and in the Valley of the Petchora, as well as in 
Alaska and on the Anderson River in North America. It is a maritime Plover during 
the winter season, and wanders south to Africa, India and Australia, and in the 
New World to Brazil and Peru. The nest is simply a hollow in the moss of the 
tundra, and the eggs, four in number, are intermediate in colour and markings 
between those of the Lapwing and Golden Plover, and measure about two inches 
in length, or a little more. 
The Golden Plovers have no hind-toe, and may be easily 
recognised by the golden colour of the upper surface. The 
common Golden Plover is at once determined by its white 
axillaries, which distinguish it from the Grey Plover, both in 
summer and winter plumage. It breeds on the moorlands of the 
United Kingdom, being more plentiful in Scotland and Ireland, but it is also found 
nesting in the wilder districts of England and Wales. In winter it frequents the 
mud-flats on the coasts, as well as inland pastures. It inhabits the northern 
and central districts of Europe during the breeding-season, and winters in the 
Mediterranean countries and in Africa. The nest consists of a depression in the 
ground or tuft of grass, and is made of a few stems of dry grass with a little heather 
and moss. The colour of the eggs varies from a clay-brown to a light stone-grey, 
with lines and blotches of black, and underlying markings of reddish brown. The 
length is from an inch-and-three-quarters to two inches, or a little more. 
This is smaller than the common Golden Plover, and has much 
more slender legs. It goes 
through the same changes 
of plumage, but can be re- 
cognised at all ages by its 
smoky-brown axillaries. Four examples of this 
small Golden Plover have been obtained in 
Great Britain, two in England and two in 
Scotland It breeds in the high north of 
both Hemispheres, and in winter wanders to 
India, the Moluccas, and Australia, as well 
as to South America. In habits the species 
resembles C. pluvialis , and it makes its nest 
in a depression in the moss, or scantily lines The Lesser Golden Plover. 
THE LESSER 
GOLDEN PLOVER. 
(Charadrius 
dominions.) 
