26o THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



even during summer is more or less social, several pairs 

 frequently nesting in the same vicinity. The breeding 

 grounds of this species are close to the sea, rocky coasts 

 and islands over which tufts of coarse grass and a few 

 bushes are scattered, being preferred. The Turnstone 

 pairs annually, probably when the nesting grounds are 

 reached, and its habits during this period are vQ.\y similar 

 to those of allied species, the bird uttering a trill in mid- 

 air. The nest, generally placed under the shelter of a 

 grass tuft, a plant, or a small bush, is merely a hollow 

 lined with a few scraps of vegetable refuse. Of the 

 actions of this bird at the nest little has been recorded, 

 but alluring antics are said to be indulged in. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Turnstone are four in number. They 

 are broadly pyriform in shape, smooth in texture, and 

 vary from pale olive-green to pale buff in ground colour, 

 blotched, spotted, and clouded with olive-brown, and 

 dark reddish-brown, and with underlying markings of 

 lilac-gray. On some eggs a series of net-like streaks of 

 dark brown occur on the large end. A frequent type 

 has the large blotches running obliquely across the 

 surface. As usual, most of the large bold markings are 

 on the major half of the ^g^ ; a type is not un frequent in 

 which the spotting is blurred or poorly defined. Average 

 measurement, i'6 inch in length, by I'l inch in breadth. 

 Incubation is performed by both sexes, but the duration 

 of the period is unknown. 



Diagnostic characters: Their form and size, 

 colouration, and character of the markings are suffi- 

 ciently distinct to prevent the eggs of the Turnstone 

 from being confused with those of allied birds. It is far 

 easier to determine these eggs by comparison with actual 

 specimens than by any written description. 



