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. |
Photos
