Black Turnstone Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesBlack Turnstone
Breeding adult
Stock, short-legged shorebird with a stout, slightly upturned bill. Breeding birds are blackish overall with a white spot behind the bill.
© Nick Athanas / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 19, 2018Nonbreeding adult/immature
Stocky shorebird of rocky coastlines. Nonbreeding birds are brownish black with a white belly.
© Andrew Johnson / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 18, 2017Nonbreeding
Commonly inhabits the intertidal zone of rocky or sandy coastlines during the wintering season.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 21, 2013Not all videos have sound
Nonbreeding adult/immature
Distinctive pattern in flight. Note white stripe down the back, a black tipped tail, and white stripes on the wings.
© Steven Mlodinow / Macaulay LibraryWashington, October 27, 2011Nonbreeding adult/immature
Legs usually dark, but occasionally dark red or pinkish. Note stout slightly upturned bill.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, March 25, 2011Nonbreeding adult/immature (with Surfbird)
In flight, black-and-white pattern on back is distinctive. Note white stripe down the back, a black tipped tail, and white stripes on the wings.
© Ian Davies / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, July 15, 2012Nonbreeding adult/immature (with Ruddy Turnstone and Surfbird)
Dark shorebird of rocky coastlines.
© Jonathan Vargas / Macaulay LibraryNayarit, December 31, 2016Similar SpeciesRuddy Turnstone
Breeding adult
Ruddy Turnstones have bright orange legs and a uniquely patterned black-and-white face while Black Turnstones have dark legs and are blackish overall without patterning on the face.
© Jay McGowan / Macaulay LibraryNew York, June 05, 2015Similar SpeciesRuddy Turnstone
Nonbreeding adult
Nonbreeding Ruddy Turnstones are browner than nonbreeding Black Turnstones with orange (not dark) legs.
© Steve Percival / Macaulay LibraryEngland, January 23, 2017Similar SpeciesRock Sandpiper
Nonbreeding
Rock Sandpipers have longer legs and a longer slightly drooping bill than Black Turnstones. They are also gray overall while Black Turnstones have much darker plumage.
© Caroline Lambert / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 16, 2015Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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Species in This Family
Sandpipers and Allies(Order: Charadriiformes, Family: Scolopacidae)
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