Ruddy Turnstone

The Ruddy Turnstone, a member of the sandpiper family, is a stocky shorebird named for its habit of flipping over stones, shells, and seaweed with a slightly up...
Read more

The Ruddy Turnstone, a member of the sandpiper family, is a stocky shorebird named for its habit of flipping over stones, shells, and seaweed with a slightly upturned, wedge-shaped bill. During the breeding season, its bright orange legs and harlequin-like plumage are unmistakable.
The ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres) is a distinctive medium-sized wader. Their length is typically between 20 and 25 cm, with a wingspan between 50 and 60 cm and a body mass between 110 and 130g. For waders their build is stocky, with short, slightly upturned, wedge shaped bills. They are high Arctic breeders, and are migratory. Their strong necks and powerful, slightly upturned bills are adapted to their feeding technique. They are strictly coastal, prefer stony beaches to sand, and often share beach space with other species of waders such as purple sandpipers.
Their appearance in flight is striking, with white patches on the back, wings and tail.

DSC_5507cafh.JPG
Read less