| The Turnstone can be seen all around our coasts although
it shows a preference for rocky areas where it will search under stones
for insects, small crustaceans and molluscs: hence its name of Turnstone.
They are not resident, wintering here before returning in summer to their
breeding grounds in Greenland and Scandinavia. Some immature birds will
spend the summer here. Both sexes are the same with a mottled chestnut and
black upper-parts, white under-parts, orange legs and a black and white
head. They can be very difficult to see amongst a rocky shore blending in
well with the surroundings. In summer plumage the head becomes black and
white, rich red-brown and black colours appear in the mantle. |
