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.