268 TURNSTONES: OYSTER-CATCHERS 



treasures. Its plaintive note is easily distinguishable from the calls 

 of its near allies. 



The MOUNTAIN PLOVER (281. Podasocys montanus), a western species, is 

 of accidental occurrence in Florida. The upperparts are grayish brown 

 margined with rufous, the underparts are white tinged with buffy on the 

 breast; in adults the front of the crown and lores are black. L., about 8'75; 

 W., 5-75; Tar., T50; B., '85. 



28. FAMILY APHRIZID^E. SURF-BIRDS AND TURNSTONES 



A small family of three species, all of which are found in North 

 America, though but one of these visits our Eastern States. They are 

 largely maritime birds, frequenting the seacoasts, where they prefer 

 the outer beaches. 



283. Arenaria interpres interpres (Linn.). TURNSTONE. Similar to 

 No. 283a, A. i. morinella, but larger (W. 6.00) and, in the adult the upper- 

 parts with black prevailing. Im. Blacker than young of morinella. 



Range. Old World. Breeds in w. Alaska from Pt. Barrow to the Yukon 

 delta, and in w. Greenland, Scandinavia, n. Russia, Siberia, and Japan; 

 winters on the coasts of Europe and Asia to s. Africa, Australia, and 

 Oceanica. 



283a. A. i. morinella (Linn.}. RUDDY TURNSTONE. Ads. in summer. 

 Upperparts, including wings, strikingly variegated with rufous, black and 

 white; tail white at base, a black band near its end, and tipped with white; 

 throat and breast black and white; belly white. Winter plumage. Upper- 

 parts blackish, bordered with brownish gray or ashy; lower back white; 

 longer upper tail-coverts white, shorter ones black; tail as in adult; throat 

 white, breast black margined with white, belly white. L., 9'50; W., 6'00; 

 Tar., '95; B., 1*00. 



Range. N. and S. A. Breeds on Arctic shores from Mackenzie River 

 e., probably, to Melville Peninsula, and n. to Melville Is.; winters from cen. 

 Calif., Tex., La., and S. C., to s. Brazil and cen. Chile. 



Washington, rare and irregular T. V. Long Island, common T. V., May; 

 Aug. and Sept. Ossining, A. V. N. Ohio, irregular T. V., May 5-25; Sept. 

 1-25. SE. Minn., rare T. V. 



Eggs, 3-4, clay-color, blotched and scrawled with grayish brown, 1*60 x 

 1'15. Date, Mackenzie River, June 28 (Thayer Coll.). 



This maritime species is found singly or in small flocks, generally 

 on the outer beaches, where it obtains its food by turning over shells 

 and pebbles in search of insects, crustaceans, etc. 



29. FAMILY ILEMATOPODiDyE. OYSTER-CATCHERS 



The Oyster-catchers number twelve species, represented in most 

 of the warmer parts of the globe. But three species are found in North 

 America, and only one of these occurs in the Eastern States. They are 

 strictly maritime birds, and resort to the outer bars and beaches in 

 search of clams, mussels, etc., exposed by the tide. Their strong bill is 

 used as an oyster-knife to force open the shells of these bivalves. 



286. Hsematopus palliatus Temm. OYSTER-CATCHER. Ad. Head, 

 neck, and upper breast glossy black, back and wing-coverts olive-brown, 



