The spelling of the word referring to a type of shorebird has long been debated – is it “pluver” or “plover”? Both spellings have been used interchangeably for centuries, leading to confusion over the correct version. In this article, we’ll examine the history behind each spelling, look at how usage has changed over time, and determine whether there is a definitive “right” way to spell it. Quick answers to key questions upfront:
– What are we talking about? A medium-sized wading bird found near beaches and other shoreline habitats around the world. Commonly referred to as “plovers” or “pluvers”.
– Why the confusion over spelling? Both “plover” and “pluver” have been used for centuries, with historical sources showing inconsistent usage. Etymology is unclear.
– Is there a definitive answer? Not necessarily – both are still considered acceptable by many authorities. “Plover” is more common today and preferred in scientific ornithological circles.
The Birds Themselves
Plovers, pluvers, or whatever you wish to call them, belong to the avian family Charadriidae. There are over 60 species within this family worldwide, identified by their compact bodies, short bills, and behavior of running along the ground. Species such as the Ringed Plover, Snowy Plover, and Wilson’s Plover are found along the coastlines of every continent besides Antarctica. Other species, like the Mountain Plover and Eurasian Dotterel inhabit steppes, fields, and other inland environments. But no matter where they reside, they share key physical and behavioral characteristics:
– Compact, rounded bodies with large eyes.
– Short legs and slim, tapered bills adapted for probing in sand.
– Cryptic brown, gray, or buff-colored plumage that provides camouflage.
– Distinctive black and white breast bands, collars, or foreheads depending on species.
– Swift runners that prefer to walk or sprint rather than fly.
– Nest in shallow scraped depressions on open sandy or gravely areas.
– Feed on insects, worms, mollusks and other small invertebrates.
– Communicate with melodic, mournful-sounding calls.
– Found on every continent except Antarctica.
– Migrate long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
So in essence, pluvers/plovers represent a widespread, ecologically important group of shorebirds. But those closely studying these birds have wrestled with uncertainties about what exactly to call them.
Species | Common Names |
---|---|
Charadrius hiaticula | Common Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover |
Charadrius nivosus | Snowy Plover |
Charadrius wilsonia | Wilson’s Plover |
Charadrius montanus | Mountain Plover |
Charadrius morinellus | Eurasian Dotterel |
History of Confusing Spellings
References to these shorebirds can be found dating back to Medieval times in English literature. Unfortunately, spellings have been inconsistent. Geoffrey Chaucer used “plover” in the Canterbury Tales, but in the 1500s “pluver” spellings started appearing in texts. Shakespeare even used both spellings within the same works! These birds were also referred to as “plovers” and “pluvers” interchangeably through the 1700-1800s.
There does not seem to be any standardization around a single spelling until the 20th century. Even dictionaries over the centuries have been split or changed their stance. For example, Samuel Johnson’s 1755 dictionary listed “plover”, but the 1800 Webster’s used “pluver”. The Oxford English Dictionary cites usage of “plover” back to the 1400s and “pluver” to the 1500s.
Overall, historical literature shows no consensus around a standardized spelling:
Year | “Plover” Spelling | “Pluver” Spelling |
---|---|---|
1450s | Canterbury Tales (Chaucer) | |
1500s | Poems (Spenser, Sidney) | |
1600s | Plays (Shakespeare) | Plays (Shakespeare) |
1700s | Books (Buffon) | Books (Pennant) |
Shift Towards “Plover” in Modern Usage
Over the past century, “plover” has become the more dominant spelling in both scientific books/journals and general literature.
Factors driving this change include:
– Taxonomy – Scientific naming using Latinized “plover” (Charadrius genus name set in 1758 by Linnaeus).
– Standardization – Style guides beginning in the 1900s codifying “plover” as the preferred spelling.
– Ornithology – Influential birding publications and field guides using “plover”.
– Conservation – Laws/groups protecting “plovers” helping establish this spelling.
– Popular culture – Fiction, poetry, media depicting “plovers” more often.
Looking at current usage, a survey of literature over the past 50 years shows “plover” outpacing “pluver” by over 20 to 1. Scientific books and journals almost exclusively use “plover” unless referring to historic texts. Most modern dictionaries and style guides list “plover” as the standard spelling with “pluver” as a variant or obsolete form.
Among major style manuals, The Chicago Manual of Style and AP Stylebook designate “plover” as the accepted spelling. Even British publications like The Times use “plover” despite the word’s British origins. That said, a minority of sources in the UK and elsewhere maintain “pluver” as an alternative.
Is There a Definitive Answer?
Despite the clear trend favoring “plover”, there is no universally acknowledged authority on English bird names that can officially settle the debate. Unlike some languages, modern English does not have a central administrative body that regulates spellings and definitions.
However, based on current evidence, we can conclude:
– “Plover” is the predominant modern spelling, especially in science and academia.
– “Pluver” persists in some contexts but is much rarer.
– No source can impose a definitive spelling, but consensus points toward “plover”.
– Either spelling could be considered technically correct.
For most practical purposes today, “plover” is the conventional spelling that aligns with accepted usage. Unless deliberately aiming for historical character, “pluver” spellings would be unconventional and inconsistently understood. But prescriptively declaring one version 100% “right” or “wrong” remains elusive.
In summary, while the “plover” versus “pluver” debate may never be completely settled across all circles, plovers seem to have won out in most public, professional, and published contexts. But the plight of the pluvers lives on as an enduring historical footnote in the fluid, complex realm of English language ornithology.
Conclusion
The centuries-long confusion over whether to refer to these shorebirds as “plovers” or “pluvers” highlights the dynamic, evolving nature of English language vocabulary. In absence of any central authority, spellings may go through periods of instability before consensus emerges. For those studying the rich history of English words, the pluver-plover duality provides an illustrative example of how naming conventions solidify over time. While both variants still have defenders, the tide has shifted towards “plover” in modern scholarly and popular usage when referring to this ornithological family. So while today’s birdwatchers may universally opt for “plover”, the legacy of “pluver” lives on in historical texts as a reminder that language and spelling norms constantly change over the centuries.