244 CHAKADBinXE 



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. 1 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 



FIG. 34. HEAD OP TURNSTONE. -^ 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 lighter 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 Turnstone'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. 



1 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 

 Kedshank are nearly double the length of those of the Turnstone. 



