Name
Turnstone
Latin Name
Arenaria interpres
Family
Arenariidae
Length
23 cm
Habitat
Turnstone frequent coastal mud-flats and shorelines, especially rocky shores; occasionally on inland waters.
Migration
Turnstone is a summer migrant from the Palaearctic found along the coast and on offshore islands.
Bird Call
When disturbed Turnstone fly away low over the water uttering their call of 'kit-it-it-it' or 'chidda-chidda-chidda'.
Breeding
The present Turnstone species breeds in the Arctic regions only, coming south of the Equator in all continents during the northern winter.
Immature Description
In winter plumage the head is grey and white, the upper parts brown mottled with grey and white. The throat and underparts are white with a broad mottled grey and white band across the chest. The pointed bill is black and the legs orange.
Adult Description
In summer plumage the head and neck attain a black-and-white pattern, the scapulars and wing-coverts a bright chestnut.
Status
Common summer visitor
Distribution
Turnstone are common at Langebaan.
