charadriida:. 



55: 



THE TURNSTONE. 



Strepsilas interpres (Linnaeus). 



This species, conspicuous by the variety of its plumage, is a 

 regular visitor to our sea-coasts, and at times to the margins of 

 lakes and large rivers. Some birds make their appearance by the 

 latter part of July, but the bulk of the migrants from the north do 

 not arrive till August ; while in sheltered situations on the east 

 side of Scotland, as well as in the south and west of England, 

 many stay throughout the winter. In May the return north- 

 ward takes place, yet occasionally birds in nuptial dress and some- 

 times in pairs remain during the summer in localities apparently 

 suitable for reproduction. Nevertheless authenticated eggs have not 

 yet been obtained in any part of the United Kingdom, though diligent 

 search might possibly be rewarded among the islands of Scotland 

 or on the deeply-indented shores of the west of Ireland, where the 

 bird is at all times far more plentiful than it is in England. 



The Turnstone was found by Dr. Bessels far up Smith Sound, 

 and it has occurred on Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen. It breeds 

 in West Greenland up to lat. 77°, Iceland, and perhaps in the 

 Fseroes ; but its most accessible nesting-places are on the coasts and 

 islands of Scandinavia, Denmark, and the Baltic. It also breeds on 

 Kolguev and on the South Island of Novaya Zemlya, while it was 

 obtained on Franz Josef Land in May, and is found in summer 



