Thomas of Cantimpré [circa 1200-1272 CE] (Liber de natura rerum, Birds 5.103): Pluviales are birds about the size of partridges. Their feathers are variously ornamented, with yellow-gold, white, and black distinctly. They are said to live on air alone, and yet they are fat; the proof that they live on air is that, although they are fat, nothing can ever be found in their entrails. They are caught in this way: they have bird-catchers with leaded sticks, and by throwing them high in the air, they frighten the birds, forcing them to fly to the ground where there are nets to catch them as they flee. - [Badke translation/paraphrase]