Black turnstone

The black turnstone is a species of small wading bird. It is one of two species of turnstone in the genus Arenaria, the ruddy turnstone being the other. It is now classified in the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae, but was formerly sometimes placed in the plover family, Charadriidae. It is native to the west coast of North America and breeds only in Alaska.

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Distribution

Region

Pacific coast of North America

Typical Environment

Breeds on low coastal tundra, river deltas, and wet meadows across western and southwestern Alaska. Outside the breeding season it inhabits exposed rocky shorelines, wave-washed reefs, and harbor jetties from southern Alaska through British Columbia to California and northern Baja California. It favors intertidal zones with plentiful barnacles, mussels, and kelp wrack. Occasional wintering birds reach as far south as northwestern Mexico.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 200 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size22–25 cm

Wing Span42–50 cm

Male Weight0.12 kg

Female Weight0.13 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Black turnstones are robust shorebirds specialized for prying and hammering open intertidal prey, often flipping stones and kelp to expose invertebrates—hence their name. They breed only in western Alaska and show strong site fidelity, returning to the same territories annually. In winter they concentrate on rocky Pacific shorelines and man-made jetties, where they can be remarkably confiding and active in rough surf.

Gallery

Black turnstone in Humboldt County, California

Winter-plumaged bird in California

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

low, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Breeds in pairs that defend small territories on coastal tundra; both sexes incubate and tend the brood. Outside the breeding season it often forages in loose flocks, especially at productive tide lines and reef edges. Strong site fidelity to both breeding and wintering locations is common.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Generally quiet, giving sharp tik or kip notes and dry rattling calls on the shore. On breeding grounds it adds a more rapid chattering series during display flights and territorial interactions.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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