Birds
File:Arenaria melanocephala (30862057873).jpg

Black Turnstone

Black Turnstone

100
2 months ago
Spotted
The Black Turnstone is a medium-sized shorebird characterized by its dark, sooty-black upperparts and white underparts with striking black chest banding. It is aptly named for its habit of 'turning stones' to find food.
Where to spot
Breeds on rocky coasts of Alaska, wintering south along the Pacific coast of North America from southeastern Alaska to Baja California.
How to spot
Look for it on rocky intertidal zones, jetties, and breakwaters, where it actively flips over stones, seaweed, and debris with its bill to expose prey.
When to spot
Best seen during spring (April-May) and autumn (August-October) migrations along coastal routes. Can be observed throughout the non-breeding season in its wintering range.
File:Arenaria melanocephala (30862057873).jpg
File:Arenaria melanocephala (31299410590).jpg
File:Arenaria melanocephala (tournepierre).jpg
File:Arenaria melanocephala 1.jpg
File:Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala).jpg
File:Black turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala) 2018 2.jpg
File:Black turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala) 2023.jpg
File:Black turstone (Arenaria melanocephala) 2018.jpg
File:Arenaria melanocephala (30862057873).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Arenaria melanocephala (31299410590).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Arenaria melanocephala (tournepierre).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Arenaria melanocephala 1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Black turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala) 2018 2.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Black turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala) 2023.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Black turstone (Arenaria melanocephala) 2018.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
During the breeding season, its vocalizations include a distinctive, rattling call that sounds like a tiny machine gun.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
204 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
2 months ago

Monthly observations

2 observations
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Frauke
Frauke
2 months ago
Black Turnstone
Sitka, Alaska
Spotted Black Turnstone
Spotted Black Turnstone
+85
Lifer
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jenny van Dorland
jenny van Dorland
2 years ago
Black Turnstone
Area C (Hyde Creek/Benson Valley), Briti...
Spotted Black Turnstone
Spotted Black Turnstone
+85
Lifer
Login to like

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