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page.Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
Turnstones breed on the coasts of Scandinavia, Finland, northern Siberia, arctic North America and Greenland. During the migrating season they may be encountered practically throughout the whole of Europe, but the wintering grounds themselves are the coasts of western and southwestern Europe and North Africa. Some individuals fly as far as Australia and South America. Turnstones leave their breeding grounds as early as the end of July, but more usually in August or September, returning again in April or May, though birds bound for the extreme north often do not arrive there until early June. The species inhabits rocky islands and shores in the arctic. Its nest, a shallow depression lined with dry vegetable matter, is located near water. In May or June, or in the far north as late as July, the female lays her clutch of four eggs. The partners take turns incubating, but towards the end ~of this period the female often leaves the task to the male, who also cares for the young when they hatch, which is after 23 to 24 days. It has been discovered, however, that the young are often in fact tended by both parents. When foraging for food, the turnstone has a characteristic habit of stooping to turn over small stones with its bill, thus uncovering prey. The diet consists of insects and their larvae, worms, small molluscs and spiders.
Click on any of the other bird links, these are Geese Barnacle Goose : Brent Goose : Canada Goose : Greylag Goose
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