BLACK TURNSTONE Arenaria melanocephala

One of two Turnstones in the world, the other of course the much more widespread and familiar Ruddy Turnstone. Both share the well-known feeding method which gives them their name, and whilst breeding areas are just about distinct, they may be found wintering together on American coasts. This species is confined to the North-west United States, and winters down the west coast as far south as Baja, where the left shot was taken, this bird being almost in breeding plumage prior to migrating north. The right-hand shot was taken in November in Oregon.

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