286 
PLOVERS. 
From Vanellus we reach the true Plovers, repre- 
sented by the Grey and Golden Plovers of our own 
country. The birds known under the above name, 
in contradistinction to the true Ckaradrii or Dot- 
terels, have been divided in their scientific arrange- 
ment, and the presence or absence of a hind toe, has 
been given much weight to as a generic character. 
In both groups, we have so distinct and marked 
an arrangement of colouring, that the common 
observer, unaccustomed to scientific distinctions, 
will at once separate them. The sexual change is 
also to a certain extent different, and it is remark- 
able, that in both (arranging by plumage and 
marking), we have a species, which must, in either 
case, be placed away from those resembling it; 
the generic distinction resting alone on the pre- 
sence or absence of the fourth toe, almost rudimen- 
tary. We have now, however, ventured to draw 
our characters, so as to allow the junction with it 
of C. pluvialis and Virginianus. These three spe- 
cies (including the Grey Plover) are closely allied 
In habits, in the marking and colouring, and in 
the dark state of their breeding plumage, occupy- 
ing uniformly a great portion of the under surface 
of the body. In their habits they are gregarious, 
assembling often in vast flocks, while the others 
more generally cong'regate only in parties of limited 
numbers. 
