OP THE BEITISH ISLANDS. 175 



Subfamily STREPSILIN^.— The Turnstones. 



The Turnstones may be distinguished from other members of the Ghara- 

 DBiiD^ by the absence of a dertrum from the bill, and by having the nasal orifice 

 extending beyond the basal fourth of the bill. The metatarsus is scutellated in 

 front on the lower half ; the remainder reticulated both before and behind. The 

 toes are cleft to the base. In some respects the Turnstones form a connecting 

 link between the Plovers and the Sandpipers. This subfamily contains but a 

 single genus. 



Genus STREPSILAS, or Turnstones. 



Type, STEEPSILAS INTEEPEBS. 



Strepsilas, of lUiger (1811). — The birds comprising the present genus are 

 characterised by having the toes cleft to the base, and the nasal orifice reaching 

 beyond the basal fourth of the bill. The wings are long and pointed, the first 

 primary the longest ; tail rather short and nearly even, composed of twelve 

 feathers. The metatarsus is scutellated in front, reticulated behind ; the tibia just 

 above the tarsal joint devoid of feathers. The bill is short, thick at the base, 

 tapering to the point, somewhat conical ; nostrils basal, lateral, partially shielded 

 by a membrane. Toes, three in front, one behind short and elevated. 



This genus is composed of two species, and is practically cosmopolitan. One 

 species is a common visitor to the British Islands on passage, rarer during winter. 

 The Turnstones are dwellers on the sea-coast, rocky coasts by preference. They 

 are birds of powerful and sustained flight, performing extended migrations ; and 

 they walk and run with equal facility. Their notes are clear and shrill, some not 

 unmusical. They subsist principally on small crustaceans, sand- worms, the 

 animals in small shells, etc. They make scanty nests on the ground, and the 

 four pyriform eggs are spotted. They are monogamous, and more or less 

 gregarious and sociable, even during the breeding season. 



