Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

Family: Sandpipers and Allies · Status: Uncommon migrant · Size: 21–24 cm · Conservation: Near Threatened

Range

Breeds across the high Arctic from Alaska and Greenland through Siberia. Winters along coastlines worldwide.

Identification

A distinctive, stocky shorebird with a short, stout bill and short orange legs. In breeding plumage, shows reddish-brown upperparts and bold black-and-white pattern on the head, neck and breast. Duller in non-breeding plumage, with dark-greyish brown upperparts and a dark-streaked head with little white. In flight, a distinctive white back, rump and wing-bar contrast with the otherwise dark upperparts.

Habitat

Coastal rocky shores, breakwaters and stony beaches; also sandy beaches, mudflats and mangrove edges.

Behaviour

Flips over rocks, shells, seaweed and debris to find invertebrates; also digs holes for food and scavenges.