TURNSTONE. 



STREPSILAS INTERPRES {Linn. 



Tringa interpi-es^ Linn. S. N. i. p. 248 (1766). 



Strepsilas interpres, Naum. vii. p. 303 ; Macg. iv. p. 143 ; 



Hewitson, ii. p. 303 ; Yarr. ed. 4>, iii. p. 289 ; Dresser, 



vii. p. 555. 



Le Tourne-pierre, French ; Steinwdlzer, Mornell, German ; 

 Vuelve-piedras, Spanish. 



This very pretty species is to be met with on various 

 parts of our coasts tliroughout the year, although the 

 nest has never as yet been discovered in the United 

 Kingdom. I have myself observed the Turnstone in 

 small numbers in June and July on the west coast of 

 Ireland, but it is generally known on our shores as a 

 bird of double passage ; many, however, remain through- 

 out the winter in favourable localities. This bird, when 

 not associating (as it often does) with other shore-birds, 

 is very tame and fearless of man, and may be closely 

 observed as it seai'ches for small marine animals amongst 

 shingle and sea-weed. 



The Turnstone breeds in Northern Europe ; but as I 

 have never visited any of its ascertained nesting-places, 

 I leave the description of its nest and eggs to other 

 authors. In captivity this bird thrives remarkably well ; 

 it is very active in pursuit of winged insects, and fre- 

 quently perches. The note is a clear piping whistle. 



