Turnstones are a sub group of shorebirds known for their pension for flipping stones and other objects to search for food. There are two turnstone species native to North America, here is everything you need to know about those two species.
Black Turnstone
Identification
As their name would suggest, in breeding plumage Black Turnstones are brown and black on the back, wings, and head. They have a pure white underside with a dark colored chest, and a white patch on their face near the base of their bill. In nonbreeding plumage, Black Turnstones are more of a chocolate brown color but still have a white underside.
Range
Black Turnstones summer along the shores of Alaska. In winter, they can be found all along the Pacific coast from southern Alaska all the way to Mexico.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Black Turnstones are very active feeders. They will flip over rocks, run into sedges and piles of seaweed to uncover food, and even pry shellfish off of rocks. Their diet consists of many different types of invertebrates that can be found along the ocean. During breeding season their diet is most varied and can include somewhat surprising things such as carrion and the eggs of other birds.
Where to Find This Bird
Black Turnstones are farily common in their normal range and can be seen on rocks along shorelines, on jetties, and even on sandy beaches. They will also show up along lakes and other bodies of water where food is abundant.
Ruddy Turnstone
Identification
Of all North American shorebird species, it’s quite possible that the Ruddy Turnstone is among the most colorful. In breeding plumage they have a rusty brown and black colored back, white underside, and black and white patterning on their head and chest. These intricately colored birds also sport bright orange feet. In nonbreeding plumage Ruddy Turnstones look very similar but much more dull with very few markings on their face.
Range
Ruddy Turnstones have a very wide range in North America, inhabiting just about every coastline at one point or another. In winter, they can be found along the coasts of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans all the way from Washington State and New England to South America. During migration, Ruddy Turnstones pass over much of the Midwest including the Great Lakes states.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Ruddy Turnstones are known for flipping over rocks and other objects on the shore to uncover food items such as larval insects and other crustaceans. These shorebirds will also eat vertebrates that wash up on shore.
Where to Find This Bird
Look for Ruddy Turnstones around rocky coastlines, beaches, and mudflats, especially during fall and winter. During summer, these birds can be found in their breeding areas on the tundra in the high arctic.
Summary
Turnstones are interesting shorebirds that have a unique look and some fascinating habits. We hope that this post has helped provide information on the turnstones of North America.
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