Black turnstone

Arenaria melanocephala

The black turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala) is a species of small wading bird.

Family: Scolopacidae Order: Charadriiformes Conservation: Least Concern
Black turnstone

About the Black turnstone

The black turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala) is a species of small wading bird. It is one of two species of turnstone in the genus Arenaria, the ruddy turnstone (A. interpres) 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.

Fun Facts About Black turnstone

  • It is native to the west coast of North America and breeds only in Alaska.

Conservation Status

The Black turnstone is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyScolopacidae
GenusArenaria
SpeciesArenaria melanocephala

Range & Habitat

Range map of Black turnstone

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Related Species

Other species in the Scolopacidae family: