Any species of limicoline birds of the genera
Strepsilas and
Arenaria, allied to the plovers, especially the common American and European species (
Strepsilas interpres). They are so called from their habit of turning up small stones in search of mollusks and other aquatic animals. Called also
brant bird,
sand runner,
sea quail,
sea lark,
sparkback, and
skirlcrake. [
1913 Webster]