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.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Ruddy Turnstone)
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 19 December 2021
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.