Ruddy Turnstone

Scientific Name: Arenaria interpres
Malay Name: Kedidi-Kerikil Merah
Chinese Name: 翻石鹬

Range:
Breeds in Europe, Asia and North America.  Extensive wordwide distribution in non-breeding season.

Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: interpres, morinella.

Local Subspecies: interpres

Size: 21-24 cm

Identification:
A rather distinctive smallish, stocky shorebird with a short stout wedge-shaped blackish bill. It has short orange legs and feet. In breeding plumage it has reddish-brown upperparts and bold black-and-white pattern on head and neck. Nonbreeding and juveniles are duller brown but still boldly patterned, with black mottling and a dark head with little white.

Habitat: Winters on coastlines. Prefers rocky and stony habitats, but also seen on beaches and mudflats.

Behaviour/Ecology: LIkes to flip over rocks, shells, seaweed and other debris to catch invertebrates. Also observed digging holes for food, and scavenging as well.

Local Status: Uncommon migrant

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2019)

Location: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Mandai Mudflat, Seletar Dam, Chek Jawa at Pulau Ubin.

Featured reports: Mar 2022, Apr 2022

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

Juvenile Ruddy Turnstone at Seletar Dam. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Juvenile Ruddy Turnstone at Seletar Dam. Photo Credit: Francis Yap