The Golden Plover. 
369 
fSft*. 
THE GOLDEN PLOVEE, (Charadrius pluvialis,) 
Is about the size of the former. The colour of the whole 
upper side is black, thick set with yellowish green spots ; 
the breast brown, with spots as on the back ; the body 
is white. The male of this species is also black beneath 
in the spring. The flesh is sweet and tender, and there- 
fore esteemed a choice dish in this and other countries. 
The Golden Plover feeds principally during the night, 
and during the day time may be seen sitting or stand- 
ing on the ground, asleep. The parent birds are very 
careful in guarding their young. When any intruder 
approaches their nest, they use all sorts of stratagems 
to divert his attention. 
The " Plover eggs," frequently seen at the tables of 
the opulent and luxurious, are not those of the Plover, 
but of the Lapwing. 
2b 
