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.

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

References:

BirdLife International. (2019). Arenaria interpres. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T22693336A154669637.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.