244 CHARADRIIDA 
The adult male in full summer plumage is easily iden- 
tified. His peculiar variegated and blotched plumage of 
chestnut, black, and white, is conspicuous if seen close on 
a bright day. But the small wisps which occur in the 
autumn are composed almost entirely of birds of the year, 
and their plumage is much more sombre than that of the 
adults. When in company with other small wading-birds, 
they may be recognised by their larger size.’ The cheerful 
twitter of the bird, as it rises, its wide expanse of wing, its 
dark back and white breast, are characteristics by which 
it may be known as it flits along the edge of the breakers. 
The Turnstone is a hardy and an energetic bird. In all 
weathers it may be seen trotting backwards and forwards, 
busily rumaging for food in the sea-wrack and other rubbish 
Fic. 34.— HEAD OF TURNSTONE, 11 Nat. size. (Winter plumage, male.) 
cast up by the tide. It is most entertaining to watch the 
manner in which this little bird will knock aside small 
stones, bits of seaweed, cabbage-stalks, corks, and such 
tidal refuse, occasionally tossing right over its head the 
smaller and lghter obstacles. I have seen the almost 
macerated carcase of bird or beast, long since washed ashore, 
subjected to rough treatment from the vigorous action of 
the 'T'urnstone’s head. 
This species thrives well in captivity, when fed on a 
mixture of chopped meat, millet-seeds, and bread. If one 
might judge from watching the habits of a few of these 
birds in captivity, I should think that the males are inclined 
to be pugnacious. 
' The Knot is of a somewhat similar size, but its plumage and move- 
ments are so different that it cannot be mistaken. The feet of the 
Redshank are nearly double the length of those of the Turnstone. 
