BRITISH BIRDS. 151 



wheeling round and round for a lonof time before settling- 

 down again. 



The}" feed morning and evening, as well as on moonlight 

 nights, but keep close during the daytime, unless disturbed, 

 and post sentinels on some adjoining little elevation to give 

 notice of the approach of danger. 



The well-known cry of the peewit is a repetition of the 

 syllables that form its popular name. .It is also known as 

 the lapwing, in consequence of the way in which it flaps its 

 long broad wings when flying. 



The young are covered with a brownish yellow down, 

 and can run directly they are hatched. 



Turnstone. — The bill, long, with a slight upward ten- 

 dency, is black ; the head is white above, with numerous 

 black spots ; the face black and white, and the neck the 

 same ; the breast, flights, and tail are black, and the two 

 last tinged with brown ; the upper parts, including the 

 wings, are chestnut brown, each feather with a black 

 centre, and the greater wing coverts edged with white ; the 

 belly and remaining parts backwards white ; legs and feet 

 greyish orange. This bird has a small hind toe. Length, 

 9 J to 10 inches. 



The turnstone is said to occur in all parts of the globe, 

 but it is only a winter visitor in Britain. It derives its 

 English name from the habit it has of turning over stones 

 and other objects for the purpose of obtaining the insects 

 that are sure to be found in such a situation, and a curious 

 anecdote is related by the late Mr. Edward, of Banff", of the 

 sagacity displayed by them under such circumstances ; but, 

 as it is much too long for quotation, the reader desirous of 

 perusing the record of a most interesting experience is 

 referred to the "Zoologist," pp. 3077-78-79. 



The food of this species consists almost entirely of 

 marine insects and small Crustacea, but during high water 



