Black Turnstone

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Black Turnstones (Arenaria melanocephala) are typically found on rocky beaches along the West Coast.

They breed as far north as Alaska, and migrate south to the rocky coasts of Washington State, Oregon and California for the winter.

Their black and white feather pattern, along with their black bill, makes for easy field identification. Often they gather with other rock shorebirds such as surfbirds.

Information about their population levels is incomplete. However, their limited range makes them vunerable to coastal development and water pollution.

© 2005. Patricia A. Michaels.