Development of Charadrius pluvialis [now dominicus] from laying to hatching
The development of the American Golden Plover is typical of many sea birds and waders.
As migratory birds, golden plovers arrive at their northern nesting grounds in the mid-spring, and lay 4-5 eggs shortly after arriving. Both parents are highly protective of the nest and chicks, which are born precocious (they can already see, walk, and find food at birth) after about 25 days of incubation. Though able to find their own food at birth, the parents protect the well-camouflaged young for the first 30 days, until they're able to fly (fledgelings). By mid-August, most plovers and lapwings have begun to head south to their wintering grounds.
La Monde de la Mer. Alfred Fredol, 1866.