Shorebirds

Black Turnstone

Arenaria melanocephala

A stout, dark shorebird that flips over stones and kelp to find invertebrates. Breeding adults have a bold black-and-white pattern; in winter they are uniformly dark above.

Where to look

Rocky shorelines and kelp beaches around Kodiak; common at Fort Abercrombie and Cape Chiniak.

Habitat

Rocky intertidal zones and cobble beaches.

Diet

Marine invertebrates found under rocks, kelp, and in tide pools.

Natural history note

Black Turnstones use their upturned bill and strong neck to flip rocks several times their own weight.