Deep Forest Canopy
Species Radar
Sandpipers and Allies

Black Turnstone

Arenaria melanocephala

The black turnstone is a species of small wading bird. It is one of two species of turnstone in the genus Arenaria, the ruddy turnstone being the other. It is now classified in the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae, but was formerly sometimes placed in the plover family, Charadriidae. It is native to the west coast of North America and breeds only in Alaska.

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Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the Black Turnstone requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

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📘 ID Reference Card

Shorebird ID Pocket Reference

Compact pocket-card format — print & fold. Covers plumage, field marks, and song mnemonics.

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