Ruddy Turnstone

Overview

The Ruddy Turnstone is a small, robust shorebird recognized by its distinctive, bold plumage and stocky build. As one of the northernmost breeding waders, it spends its summers in the high Arctic tundra before migrating to coastlines across the globe for the winter.

Distribution & habitat

These birds breed in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. During the non-breeding season, they are cosmopolitan, found along coastlines worldwide, including sandy beaches, mudflats, estuaries, and rocky shores. They are often seen in small, gregarious flocks, sometimes associating with other shorebird species.

Appearance

This species is easily identified by its short, dark, slightly upturned bill and bright orange-red legs. In their breeding plumage, they display a striking pattern of chestnut, black, and white. During the non-breeding season, their coloration becomes more subdued, shifting to a grayish-brown above, though they retain a characteristic appearance that makes them unmistakable in the field.

Feeding

True to its name, the Ruddy Turnstone is famous for its habit of flipping over stones, shells, and seaweed with its bill to uncover hidden prey. Its diverse diet includes crustaceans, mollusks, insects, larvae, worms, and occasionally the eggs of other species, such as horseshoe crabs or terns. They are also frequently observed foraging among kelp at low tide.