Black Turnstone Apr 2026

: In winter, they are a dark, smoky blackish-brown that blends seamlessly into the wet, seaweed-covered rocks of the Pacific Northwest.

: In heavy seaweed, they have been known to "snowplow," shoving their entire body into the debris to uncover prey. A Very Specific Home black turnstone

These birds aren't just looking for a handout; they work for their food. Their foraging behavior is one of the most entertaining sights for coastal birders. : In winter, they are a dark, smoky

The Black Turnstone has one of the most limited breeding ranges of any shorebird, making it a high-priority species for conservationists at groups like Audubon . Breeding in the Arctic Their foraging behavior is one of the most

: They may look drab on the ground, but in flight, they reveal a bold, high-contrast black-and-white pattern on their wings and back. Life as a "Barnacle-Buster"

Unlike its world-traveling cousin, the Ruddy Turnstone, the Black Turnstone keeps a strictly local profile, sticking almost exclusively to the western edge of North America.