FOR CA GES A ND A VIA RIES. 1 5 7 



The eggs, four in number, are laid on the ground, among 

 water-worn stones, from which it is difficult to distinguish 

 them; the young, too, are covered with mottled down that 

 closely mimics the surroundings of the helpless little creatures. 



The habits and mode of feeding are the same with this 

 species as with the other Plovers already noticed. 



The Turnstone. 



Not unlike the Oyster-Catcher, but has a brown back, a 

 black bill and dark orange-brown legs and feet. It is a 

 coast bird and derives its name from its habit of turning 

 over stones on the beach in search of the insects that 

 congregate in their shelter. It is a winter visitor, departing 

 from March to the end of April, and arriving in August 

 or September. They very rarely stay to breed here. The 

 Turnstone is a very cautious and wary as well as a 



TURNSTONES. 



courageous bird, boldly attacking the largest Gulls, and 

 even terrestrial birds of prey. It is rarely seen inland. 



The two sexes are very much alike in general appearance 

 but they vary a good deal in colour according to age, they 

 are much smaller than the Oyster-Catcher, and are easily 

 domesticated, when their peculiar habits make them very 

 interesting inmates of the aviary. 



