Volume 34, Plate XX / Ornithology (Birds)

Turnstone

Strepsilas interpres

A winter visitant breeding in northern latitudes, the Turnstone returns in August and frequents rocky ledges and islets along the shore, actively turning over small stones in search of hidden prey and uttering a shrill whistle in its rapid flight. Its breeding plumage is beautifully variegated with black, white, and chestnut, with bright orpiment-orange legs, while the young of the year are dark hair-brown above with duller yellow legs.