A brightly coloured (during breeding season) shorebird that is mostly found on rocky shorelines. The short, upturned bill of turnstones is used to flip over small rocks and other debris. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates, mollusks and crustaceans. Surprisingly, cited in Ehrlich et al 1988 to also eat bird eggs such as the eggs of terns! Breeds in the far north tundra and migrates south to winter along the coast. Only one record of this species in our checklist area in 1899.
Similar species:
In breedling colours, is very distinct. Juveniles and nonbreeding adults may blend in more with the darker Black Turnstone.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Sibley, D. 2000
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| August 19, 1899 | Sumas Lake, Abbotsford | A. Brooks 1917 | A specimen was collected. |
Photos
