Turnstone meaning

A turnstone is a type of bird known for flipping over rocks and debris to find food.


Turnstone definitions

Word backwards enotsnrut
Part of speech The word "turnstone" is a noun.
Syllabic division The syllable separation of the word "turnstone" is turn-stone.
Plural The plural of the word "turnstone" is turnstones.
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) u,o,e
Consonants (4) t,r,n,s

Turnstones are a fascinating species of shorebirds that belong to the genus Arenaria. They are known for their distinctive habit of flipping over rocks and other objects on the beach to find food, hence their name.

Physical Characteristics

Turnstones are relatively small birds, with a compact body, short legs, and a short, slightly upturned bill. They have a mottled brown and white plumage that provides excellent camouflage against the rocky shores where they are commonly found.

Habitat

These birds are primarily found along rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, and tidal mudflats. They are highly adaptable and can also be found in urban environments, such as harbors and marinas.

Behavior

Turnstones are incredibly agile and are known for their habit of flipping over stones, seaweed, and debris to uncover small invertebrates, crustaceans, and insects. They have a unique feeding technique where they use their stout bills to probe and flip objects, exposing hidden prey.

Migration

Turnstones are migratory birds that breed in the Arctic regions during the summer months and then migrate southwards during the winter. They can be found along coastlines in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas.

Conservation

While turnstones are not considered a threatened species, they face various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect their coastal habitats and ensure their long-term survival.

In conclusion, turnstones are remarkable birds with unique feeding behaviors and a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse coastal environments. By understanding and protecting these fascinating shorebirds, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy their presence along the world's shorelines.


Turnstone Examples

  1. The turnstone scurried along the shore, flipping over rocks in search of food.
  2. Bird watchers were excited to spot a rare Ruddy Turnstone near the beach.
  3. During low tide, the turnstone could be seen probing the wet sand for small crustaceans.
  4. The turnstone's distinctive pattern of black and white feathers helps it blend in with its rocky habitat.
  5. A group of turnstones gathered on the mudflats, eagerly waiting for the tide to bring in fresh food.
  6. Researchers studied the migration patterns of turnstones as they flew thousands of miles to their breeding grounds.
  7. The turnstone's bill is specially adapted for prying open shells and digging for prey in the sand.
  8. Watching a turnstone deftly navigate through a pile of seaweed to find hidden treasures was a mesmerizing sight.
  9. Children were delighted to see a turnstone taking a relaxing bath in a shallow puddle by the shore.
  10. The call of the turnstone echoed across the beach, signaling the start of a new day for the coastal birds.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 15/06/2024 - 23:12:00