TURNSTONE

turnstone

(noun) migratory shorebirds of the plover family that turn over stones in searching for food

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

turnstone (plural turnstones)

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.

Source: Wiktionary

Turn"stone`, n. (Zoöl.)

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition