330 AMERICAN GAME BIRD SHOOTING. 
to a standstill, and remains perfectly quiet for some 
time. 
The piping plover (Zgtalitis melodus), is found in the 
Eastern and Middle States; the snowy plover (Zgialitis 
cantiana) is a resident of the regions beyond the Rocky 
Mountains; the surf bird of the Pacific Coast, Aphriza 
virgata, which seems to be the connecting link between 
plovers and oyster-catchers, seldom leaves the vicinity of 
the ocean; and the mountain plover (Hudromias monta- 
nus), which seems to have no partiality for water, wanders 
from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean. 
Next to the plovers comes the oyster-catcher (Hama- 
topus palliatus), which is found on the shores of the At- 
lantic and Pacific Oceans, though not in large numbers. 
This is black or brown above; the under parts below the 
breast are white; the bill is red or orange, somewhat com- 
pressed, and knife-like; the rump is white; a ring of the 
same hue encircles the eye; and the legs are fiesh-color. 
The turnstone (Strepsilas anterpres), which receives its 
name from its habit of turning over stones and pebbles 
with its bill when searching for food, is a resident of the 
shores of both oceans. It has a curious piebald appear- 
ance, as it displays white, black, brown, and chestnut- 
red colors, but the latter is wanting in winter. The 
American avocet, or blue stocking (Recurvirostra ameri- 
cana), has exceedingly long blue legs; a long, slender, 
and black bill with an upward curve; and red eyes. Its 
general color is white, but the back and wings show a 
good deal of black, and the neck and head are cinnamon- 
brown. The latter parts are of an ashy hue in the young. 
The stilt, or long shanks (Himantopus nigricollis), has 
carmine legs, a black bill, and is glossy-black above; the 
side of the head and neck, the rump, and the under parts 
are white. This is very common on the Southern 2oast 
during the winter, but it is not shot much, not being 
highly prized as an addition to the table. The phala- 
