360 
SANDERLING PLOVER. 
is sometimes considered sufficient to determine the species. 
The genus Plover is characterized by several strong family 
traits, one of which is that of wanting the hind toe. The 
Sandpipers have also their peculiar external characters of bill, 
general form, &c. by which they are easily distinguished from 
the former. The present species, though possessing the bill, 
general figure, manners, and voice of the Sandpipers, feeding 
in the same way, and associating with these in particular, yet 
wanting the hind toe, has been classed with the Plovers, with 
whom, this single circumstance excepted, it has no one cha- 
racteristic in common. Though we have not, in the present 
instance, presumed to alter this arrangement, yet it appears 
both reasonable 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 
interest 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 meandering course along the ridges of the 
in that group, the feet similar to those of the Charadrii ; and with their manner 
of running and walking, they possess that peculiar crouch of the head upon the 
back seen in the common Ring Plover and its allies. The Ruddy Plover of 
the plate represents it in the summer plumage, in which it more resembles the 
changes exhibited in the Knot and Pigmy Curlew than those of the Dunlins. 
On the shores of Britain, it is generally met with in winter in small flocks, or 
in spring and autumn when going to or returning from their breeding quarters. 
By Mr Hutchins it is said to make its nest rudely of grass in the marshes, 
and lays four dusky coloured eggs, spotted with black. — E d.. 
