Black Turnstone

General Description

The Black Turnstone is a compact, short-billed bird found on rocky shores. All plumages are mostly black with white bellies. Their bellies and underwings are white, and their heads and breasts are black. In flight, they show white on the back, wings, and base of the tail. In breeding plumage, the Black Turnstone has a white mustache and some white on the breast. Its legs are orange-brown and can be quite bright, although not as bright as those of the Ruddy Turnstone. Males and females appear similar, but males are brighter with more contrast in color on the head. Their long, black wing coverts contrast with their white sides.

Black Turnstone's are Common in Western Washington from September-April.

Habitat

A coastal species at all times of the year, Black Turnstones nest in the wet tundra of coastal Alaska, often near estuaries or lagoons. They migrate and winter along the rocky shorelines of the Pacific Coast. They are most often found foraging on rocky shores, jetties, and islets. They also forage on top of kelp beds.

Behavior

Black Turnstones are usually found in small flocks, but they may number 100 or more.
The Black Turnstone moves steadily and slowly over rocks, looking for prey to pry off with its strong bill, thus its name. On beaches it turns over rocks and shells in search of food, although not as often as the related Ruddy Turnstone.