SURF BIRDS AND TURNSTONES. Family APHRIZID^ 



282. Surf Bird. Aphriza virgata. 



This species, which is found on the Pacific 

 coast from Alaska to Cliili, seems to be tlie 

 connecting link between the plovers and the 

 Turnstones, having the habits of the latter 

 combined with the bill of the former. Its nest 

 and eggs are not known to have been yet dis- 

 covered. 



Creamy. 



Turnstone. 



283. Turnstone. Arenaria interpres. 



Range. — The distribution of this species, which is grayer above than the fol- 

 lowing, is supposed to be confined, in America, to the extreme north from 

 Greenland to Alaska. Its habits and eggs are precisely like the next. 



283a. Ruddy Turnstone, Arenaria interpres morinella. 



Range. — Breeds in the Arctic regions, and migrates through all parts of the 

 United States, south to the southern parts of South America. This species has 

 the upperparts variegated with reddish brown, black and white; the underparts 

 are pure white, except for a black patch on the throat, branching upward to the 

 eye and back to the sides of the breast. It has a peculiar, slightly up-turned 

 bill, which is used, as their name implies, for turning over pebbles and stones 

 in their search for food. They nest commonly in northern Labrador, about 

 Hudson Bay and in Alaska, laying their eggs in scantily lined hollows on the 

 ground, near water. The eggs are very peculiar and beautiful, having a light 

 grayish or cream color ground, peculiarly marbled with many shades of brown 

 and lilac. Size 1.65 x 1.10. Data.— Mackenzie River, Arctic America, June 28, 

 1900. Four eggs in a grass lined depression in the sand. 



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