A bird[1] which people suffering from jaundice look at, as the story goes, and easily get over the disease.[2] For this reason people who are selling them hide them so that those who are sick will not get their benefit. "And indeed, you're covering up; surely you aren't selling plovers?" So Hipponax [writes].[3]
And [there is] saying from this: "mimicking a plover,"[4] in reference to those who are hiding themselves. So Euphronius [uses the phrase].[5] For since the plover when it is seen helps those suffering from jaundice, those who are selling it cover it up, so that no one can be pointlessly cured before paying. It is a type of bird; its distinction is regarding the preceding. And the [word for the] bird is oxytone, but the word for "ravine" is barytone.[6] Since plovers also produce a certain type of melody through the streams. Therefore, "mimicking a plover" [is said] to mean "hiding". Some say it is not those who see the plover but those who eat it who are cured of the disease.