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Webster 1913 Edition

Turnstone

Turn′stoneˊ

,
Noun.
(Zool.)
Any species of limicoline birds of the genera
Strepsilas
and
Arenaria
, allied to the plovers, especially the common American and European species (
Strepsilas interpres
). They are so called from their habit of turning up small stones in search of mollusks and other aquatic animals. Called also
brant bird
,
sand runner
,
sea quail
,
sea lark
,
sparkback
, and
skirlcrake
.
Black turnstone
,
the California turnstone (
Arenaria melanocephala
). The adult in summer is mostly black, except some white streaks on the chest and forehead, and two white loral spots.

Webster 1828 Edition

Turnstone

TURN'STONE

,
Noun.
[turn and stone.] A bird, called the sea-dotterel, the Tringa morinella, a little larger than an English blackbird. This bird takes its name from its practice of turning up small stones in search of insects.

Definition 2024

turnstone

turnstone

English

Wikispecies

Noun

turnstone ‎(plural turnstones)

  1. Either of two species of coastal wading bird, Arenaria interpres and Arenaria melanocephala, that breed in the Arctic and readily turn stones or seaweed looking for hidden invertebrates.

Derived terms

  • black turnstone

Translations

Etymology

turn +‎ stone

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