Turnstone

A turnstone is a type of bird that belongs to the sandpiper family.

There are two species of turnstone: the ruddy turnstone and the black turnstone.

They are small and stocky, with short legs and slightly upturned bills.

They have black and white patterns on their plumage, and the ruddy turnstone also has reddish-brown feathers.

They are coastal birds that feed on invertebrates by flipping over stones, seaweed, and other objects on the beach.

They are migratory and can be found on coasts almost worldwide.

Turnstones are a group of small, stocky waders that belong to the genus Arenaria in the sandpiper family Scolopacidae.

They are known for their distinctive black-and-white plumage, bright orange legs, and slightly upturned bills.

They are also known for their feeding behavior of flipping over stones, seaweed, shells, and other objects on the shore to find invertebrate prey underneath.

Turnstones are social birds that often form flocks with other waders, especially purple sandpipers.

They are vocal birds that make a variety of calls, such as a staccato tuck-tuck-tuck or a harsh krrrr.

They are also opportunistic feeders that will scavenge on carrion, garbage, and even human corpses.

They have been recorded eating a wide range of food items, such as insects, crustaceans, mollusks, worms, fish, eggs, seeds, berries, and coconut.

Turnstones are migratory birds that travel long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.

They use a variety of habitats, such as rocky shores, sandy beaches, mudflats, estuaries, lagoons, salt marshes, and even inland fields and lakes.

They are adaptable birds that can cope with different climatic conditions and human disturbances.

They are not considered threatened, but they face some threats from habitat loss, pollution, hunting, and predation.

Turnstones are fascinating birds that have a unique appearance and behavior.

They are named after their habit of turning over stones and other objects to find food, but they also have many other interesting traits and adaptations.

They are one of the most widespread and familiar waders in the world, and they can be seen on almost any coastline.

They are a delight to watch and a joy to hear.

Both species of Turnstone are colorful and stocky birds, with white patches on the back, wings, and tail.

They have short, slightly upturned bills and red legs.

In breeding plumage, the ruddy turnstone has a black-and-white head and chestnut back, while the black turnstone has black upperparts and chest.

In winter, both species become duller and browner.

Turnstones are generally tame and opportunistic feeders, and have been recorded eating a variety of items, from artificial sweeteners to human corpses.

They have a staccato call that sounds like tuck-tuck-tuck.

Both species of turnstone are adapted to feed on a variety of invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and worms.

They use their strong bills and necks to flip over stones, seaweed, shells, and other debris on rocky and gravelly shores.

They are also opportunistic scavengers and will eat carrion, fish, eggs, and human food.

They are social birds and often form flocks with other waders, such as purple sandpipers.

Turnstones are protected by international agreements and have a conservation status of least concern.

However, they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, predation, hunting, and climate change.

They are also vulnerable to avian influenza and other diseases.