Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala)
 
Status in the Checklist Area - (1) Accidental
     
 
Information

This shorebird is farily dedicated to rocky shoreline habitats along the coast. Using its upturned bill, it flips small pebbles and other small debris to uncover small snails, mollusks and invertebrates. Fairly noisy and active, often found in flocks. Breeds in the tundra, winters along the coast of B.C. south into California. Our only record is during the winter where a lone bird was recorded on a Christmas Bird Count in Abbotsford.

Similar species:
Fairly distinctive with its black plumage. The Ruddy Turnstone, which often inhabits similar habitats may look a bit similar when in nonbreeding colours.

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)

     
Noteworthy Data
 
Date
Location
Source(s)
Comments
December 27, 2003 Abbotsford Christmas Bird Count 2003 A single bird recorded on the Christmas Bird Count.
 
Photographs
             
                   
                   
                   
                   
       
       
 
Audio and Video    
None available
 

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