Nest.—A simple hollow in the sand placed just above high water, lined with pieces of broken shells. The eggs are about the color of the sand and it is almost impossible to see them a few feet away. Four eggs, clay colored; very lightly marked with fine dots (1.20 × .90).
Range.—Breeds along the Pacific coast of the United States. Winters from California to South America.
SURF-BIRD—Family Aphrizinæ.
282. Aphriza virgata. 10 inches.
This species, which is found on the Pacific coast, from Alaska to South America, seems to be the connecting link between the Plovers and [Turnstones], having the habits of the latter combined with the bill of the former.
BLACK TURNSTONE.
284. Arenaria melanocephala. 9 inches.
Upper parts a greenish black color; head, neck, breast and throat black; a white spot in front of eye and on forehead; under parts white.
Nest.—In the far north on the shores of Alaska and more northern islands, laying their sets of four eggs in hollows with a few grasses for lining; the eggs are light gray, marked with various shades of brown and lilac (1.60 × 1.10).