Turnstone
Scientific Name: Arenaria interpresMaltese Name: Monakella Imperjali
Family: Sandpipers and allies (Scolopacidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
A dark, busy, shuffling wader of weedy rocks and stony beaches. Its well camouflaged among seaweed but striking when it flies, flashing patterns of white and calling sharp, staccato notes. It has a dark back, a white face with a black mask and a black chest band. It searches for small crustaceans and molluscs by turning over (its name explained) stones and shells.
Status:
Scarce Wader. Generally singles or doubles seen at Ghadira, Salina or on rocky beaches/coasts.
When to See:
April till May and August till September.
Where to See:
Ghadira, Salina and rocky coasts such as Ghallis.
Photographs:
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Turnstones, Ghallis |
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| Turnstones, Ghallis | Turnstone, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Turnstone, Cirkewwa |
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