Ruddy Turnstone
Least ConcernArenaria interpres
Visual Identification
Ruddy Turnstone
Appearance
The Ruddy Turnstone is a small, stocky shorebird with a distinctive patterned plumage. Its breeding plumage features a black-and-white head, rufous and black upperparts, and white underparts. The short, slightly upturned black bill and bright orange legs are key identifying features.
Non-breeding adults have duller plumage, brown upperparts, and a dark breast band. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but have buff-edged feathers on their upperparts, giving them a scaly appearance.
In flight, they show bold and contrasting white stripes on the upper wings, down the center of the back, and across the rump.
Size
Length
21cm to 24cm
Wingspan
43cm to 49cm
Weight
85g to 150g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black White Brown
Secondary Colour
Rufous
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Orange
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Ruddy Turnstones breed in the Arctic tundra of North America, Europe, and Asia. During non-breeding seasons, they are found on coastal areas worldwide, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and mudflats.
They are common migrants along the coasts of the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. Some individuals overwinter in these regions, particularly in milder coastal areas.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Arctic, Temperate, Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Ruddy Turnstones have a varied diet, primarily consisting of invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, and insects. They also consume small fish, carrion, and occasionally bird eggs and even human scraps.
When nesting on the tundra, these birds focus on flies and other small invertebrates but also forage for berries and other plant matter.
Their specialized bill allows them to pry open shellfish and turn over beach debris to find hidden prey.
Behaviour
Ruddy Turnstones are known for their foraging technique, which involves flipping over stones, shells, and debris with their bills to uncover prey. They are often seen in small flocks probing and searching for food along shorelines.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays, including wing-raising and stone-tossing behaviors.
Vocalisation
Ruddy Turnstones are fairly vocal birds with a distinctive, rapid-fire call often described as a staccato 'kit-kit-kit' or 'keet-keet-keet'.
During the breeding season, males produce a more melodious warbling song. In flight, they emit sharp, whistling notes that help maintain flock cohesion.
Nesting & Breeding
Ruddy Turnstones form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, typically from May to August in the Arctic. Males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground, often lined with leaves and lichen. Females usually lay 4 olive-green eggs with dark brown spots. Both parents contribute to nest building and egg incubation.
Incubation lasts about 22-24 days, and chicks fledge after 19-21 days. Young birds are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Lifespan
The Ruddy Turnstone typically lives for 6 to 9 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 22.3 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Ruddy Turnstones face threats from habitat loss due to coastal development and climate change.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key stopover sites along their migration routes and preserving breeding grounds in the Arctic.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Ruddy Turnstones along rocky coastlines and beaches
- Observe their distinctive foraging behavior of flipping over objects
- Listen for their rapid, staccato calls, especially during flight
- In the UK and US, watch for them during spring and fall migrations along coastal areas
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Turnstone
Family:
ScolopacidaePredators
Main predators include Arctic foxes, gulls, jaegers, and falcons. Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to predation.
Did You Know?
- Ruddy Turnstones can fly at speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h) during migration.
- They have been observed feeding on the eggs of horseshoe crabs during spring migration.
- Some individuals have been recorded living for over 20 years in the wild.
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FAQs
Why is it called Ruddy Turnstone?
The Ruddy Turnstone’s name describes its ruddy (reddish) plumage and its habit of flipping small stones in search of prey.
Is a Ruddy Turnstone a plover?
Despite a similar appearance, Ruddy Turnstones are not closely related to Plovers. Turnstones are from the Arenaria genus of the Scolopacidae family, while Plovers are from various genera of the Charadriidae family.
Is the Ruddy Turnstone a carnivore?
Ruddy Turnstones are technically omnivores because they eat some plant material, although invertebrates form the bulk of their diet.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Arenaria interpres. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22693336A154669637.
View source - 3 4
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 1
website, 2012: Robinson and Clark, The Online Ringing Report: Bird ringing in Britain & Ireland in 2011
View source