STREPSILAS INTERPRES. 671 
gregarious species, not unusually associating in flocks of from thirty 
to forty individuals, sometimes frequenting the moist beds of 
periodical streams, but more often haunting districts away from the 
water, and of the driest and most arid character. I have often been 
charmed with the presence of these birds in such localities, where 
there was nothing else to break the monotony and the dreariness of 
the desolate scene. The long stilt-like legs of this species enable it 
to run with great celerity ; and if pursued, it invariably trusts to its 
legs for safety, and only takes to the wing as a last alternative ; but 
this is not from any want of power of wing, for it flies well, and 
its flight is very similar to that of the European Lapwing. These 
Plovers fly by moonlight as well as by day; and when flapping 
about, either by day or night, they utter shrill cries which may 
be heard at a great distance. The food of this species consists of 
insects; and its flesh is excellent eating.” Prof. Bocage states that 
it is common at Humbe on the Cunene River, occurring in large 
’ flocks: native name Kilokuenke. 
General colour above, grey-brown, glossed with purple ; paler on 
the throat, and darkening on the breast, to a bold black bar, which 
is succeeded by the pure white of the belly and vent; top of the 
head black, divided into two portions by a pure white crown streak, 
which springs from the forehead, and passes round to the back of 
the head; a white line extends down the closed wings, the quills of 
which have their inner webs more or less white; tail-feathers white, 
broadly barred at the ends with black ; extreme tips white. Length, 
13”; wing, 8"; tail, 4’ 6”. 
Fig. Daubent. Pl. Enl. 800. 
646. SrrepsiLas INTERPRES (L.). Turnstone. 
The Turnstone is a constant resident on these shores, extending 
upwards as far as the Equinoctial Line. It frequents rocky places 
in preference to sandy beeches, feeding on small crustaceans, shells, 
and the various insects which infest the decaying seaweed. They 
usually keep in small families of from four to eight ; do not appear 
to mingle with the sand-pipers; and are wary and difficult to 
approach. We fancy it must breed on Robben Island, among the 
rocks at the northern end, having seen young birds in’ that 
neighbourhood. We have, however, never seen it in the breeding 
dress except in one example in Andersson’s collection, shot in 
