856 
RING PLOVER. 
present, I now suspect to be a different species* Fearful of 
perpetuating error, and anxious to retract, where this may 
inadvertently have been the case, I shall submit to the consi- 
deration of the reader the reasons on which my present suspi- 
cions are founded. 
The present species, or true Ring Plover, and also the 
former, or light-coloured bird, both arrive on the sea coast of 
New Jersey late in April. The present kind continues to be 
seen in flocks until late in May, when they disappear on their 
way farther north ; the light-coloured bird remains during the 
able to point out such distinctive characters between the latter species and tha,t 
now under discussion, I have no doubt whatever of their being eventually found 
quite distinct ; and it will be found, by those persons who are inclined to allow 
so much for the influence of climate in rendering form, colour, and plumage 
distinct, that it is comparatively of no importance, and that identical species, 
running through a great variety of latitude, will in fact differ little or nothing 
from each other. I have transcribed the observations of Bonaparte from his 
Nomenclature of Wilson, which will shew his opinion. 
He thus observes, — “ The remark made by Mr Ord, relative to the 
difference between the union of the toes in American and European specimens, 
is no less extraordinary than correct ; I have verified it on the specimens in 
my collection. This character would seem to shew, in the most positive 
manner, that they are distinct, but allied species, differing from each other as 
Tringa semipalmata of Wilson differs from his Tringa pusilla.” 
The synonyms of Mr Ord, who noticed one of the principal distinctions in 
the palmation of the feet, are consequently wrong, and they should stand as 
above. I have added a synonym of Wagler, C. semipalmatus, which he takes, 
without any acknowledgment, from Cont. Isis, 1825, and which seems to be 
this species. He also refers to the C. hiaticula of Wilson, Plate XXXVII, 
under the name of C. Okenii. The true C. hiaticula has not yet, I believe, 
been found in North America. 
“ I have been endeavouring,” again writes Bonaparte, “ to discover some 
other markings on my stuffed specimens, that might enable me to establish 
the species on a more solid basis ; but though certain small differences are 
discernible, such as the somewhat smaller size, and the black narrow collar 
nf the American, &c. yet we are aware that such trifling differences occur 
between individuals of the same species ; we shall, therefore, not rely on them 
until our observations shall have been repeated on numerous recent or living 
specimens. In the meantime, should the species prove to be distinct, it may 
be distinguished by the appropriate name of C. semipalmatus — Ed. 
