Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Plover

PLOVER, the Common, or Charadrius Pluvialis, L. a well-known bird of passage, frequenting chiefly the Northern parts of Britain, particularly the Hebrides, where they sometimes appear in flights of many thousands.

Plovers delight to feed on ploughed land near the sea; they utter a shrill whistling noise, and may be easily enticed within gun-shot, by a skilful imitator of their note. In the spring, before they form an acquaintance with teal, and other shy birds, plovers are readily taken by nets. For this sport, the month of October is the most eligible; and, as all sea-fowl fly against the wind, advantage should be taken of this circumstance, in setting the net. Contrary to the nature of land-fowl, these birds never roost on trees or hedges, but sit on the ground, in a manner similar to ducks or geese; though, in stormy weather, they frequently retire to some sheltered situation.

The flesh of plover somewhat resembles, in flavour, that of widgeon, teal, and other wild-fowl, but it is milder, and consequently more nutritive.