ExploreBirds

Black Turnstone

Arenaria melanocephala

The Black Turnstone is a small bird with a black head and a beautiful patterned body. They love to search for food on rocky beaches and are great at flipping over stones to find tasty snacks!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Black Turnstone has a chunky body with mostly sooty-black plumage on its back and breast, sharply contrasting with a bright white belly. Its sturdy, slightly upturned black bill and short, bright orange legs are distinctive, making it stand out on shorelines.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusArenaria
Black Turnstone
feathered trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Black Turnstone

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Black Turnstones can live up to 12 years in the wild!

Their scientific name, Arenaria, means 'sand-dweller' or 'arena dweller'!

They communicate using calls like a rapid 'kew-kew-kew'.

They sometimes follow larger birds like gulls to find food.

Special abilities

Ability

Stone Skipper

Black Turnstone can skillfully flip rocks and seaweed with its bill to uncover delicious hidden treats.

Ability

Shoreline Snatcher

Has excellent vision and quick reflexes that help it snatch prey left exposed by receding waves.

Ability

Tide Tracker

Can use its sturdy legs to wade and run rapidly along the intertidal zone, always following the best feeding spots.

Measurements & details

Length
22-25 cm
Wingspan
43-47 cm
Weight
0.1-0.17 kg
Lifespan
5-12 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
21-24 days
Migration Distance
5000 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds are omnivores, mostly eating small marine invertebrates found along rocky and sandy shores.

Primary Foods

  • Mussels
  • Barnacles
  • Limpets
  • Marine worms
  • Crustaceans
  • Insect larvae

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Black Turnstone?

22-25 cm

What is Black Turnstone's wingspan?

43-47 cm

How much does Black Turnstone weigh?

0.1-0.17 kg

How long does Black Turnstone live?

5-12 years

How fast can Black Turnstone move?

60 km/h

What does Black Turnstone eat?

These birds are omnivores, mostly eating small marine invertebrates found along rocky and sandy shores.

Where is Black Turnstone usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Black Turnstone hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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