from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Turnstone \Turn"stone`\, n. (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}.
[1913 Webster]
{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.
[1913 Webster]