: In winter, they are a dark, smoky blackish-brown that blends seamlessly into the wet, seaweed-covered rocks of the Pacific Northwest.
They hatch in the high-latitude marshes of western and northern Alaska, specifically the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Pairs are remarkably loyal, often returning to the exact same nesting site with the same mate year after year. Consider the Black Turnstone, a Master of Camouflage black turnstone
: A stout, robin-sized bird with short legs and a slightly upturned, wedge-shaped bill. : In winter, they are a dark, smoky
The Black Turnstone ( Arenaria melanocephala ) is a rugged, stocky sandpiper that perfectly embodies the wild spirit of the Pacific coast. While many shorebirds are known for their delicate, needle-like bills, the Black Turnstone is built like a tiny construction worker, using its chisel-like beak to flip, hammer, and pry its way to a meal. The Rugged Resident of the Rocky Shore Consider the Black Turnstone, a Master of Camouflage
: 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"
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.
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