ExploreBirds

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

The Ruddy Turnstone is a small bird that loves to explore beaches and rocky shores. It has a beautiful mix of brown, white, and black feathers and is known for turning over stones to find tasty snacks!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Ruddy Turnstone is a sturdy shorebird with short orange legs and a distinctive wedge-shaped bill. It has a striking reddish-brown and black mottled back, contrasting with a white belly and chest, marked by a black band. Its bold, harlequin-like facial pattern makes it easily recognizable among other coastal birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderCharadriiformesFamilyScolopacidaeGenusArenaria
Ruddy Turnstone
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgecoastal trait badge
Ruddy Turnstone

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Ruddy Turnstones often nest in a shallow scrape on the ground in the Arctic tundra.

Some Ruddy Turnstones fly from the Arctic to New Zealand – an incredible journey!

Their scientific name, *Arenaria*, means 'sand-dweller', perfect for their beach home.

They are one of the most widespread shorebirds, found on almost every continent.

Special abilities

Ability

Stone Flipping Power

Ruddy Turnstones can use their strong, short bills to flip over stones and shells because this helps them find hidden food underneath.

Ability

Arctic Navigator

Ruddy Turnstones have an incredible sense of direction that helps them migrate thousands of kilometers from the Arctic to warm coasts.

Ability

Coastal Camouflage

Ruddy Turnstones have mottled reddish-brown and black plumage that helps them blend perfectly with rocky shorelines and tundra.

Measurements & details

Length
21-26 cm
Wingspan
50-57 cm
Weight
0.085-0.17 kg
Lifespan
10-19 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
21-24 days
Migration Distance
15000 km

Diet & Feeding

These clever birds love to feast on a variety of small critters found hiding in sand and under rocks!

Primary Foods

  • Insects
  • Crustaceans
  • Mollusks
  • Marine worms
  • Bird eggs
  • Carrion

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Arctic Fox

Vulpes lagopus

Arctic Fox preys on Ruddy Turnstone eggs and chicks in nesting areas.

eaten by

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

Jaegers are aerial predators that hunt adult Ruddy Turnstones and their young.

eats

Green Crab

Carcinus maenas

Ruddy Turnstones forage for and consume small Green Crabs in coastal areas.

eats

Lugworm

Arenicola marina

Turnstones pull Lugworms from the sand and mudflats as a food source.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ruddy Turnstone?

21-26 cm

What is Ruddy Turnstone's wingspan?

50-57 cm

How much does Ruddy Turnstone weigh?

0.085-0.17 kg

How long does Ruddy Turnstone live?

10-19 years

How fast can Ruddy Turnstone move?

70 km/h

What does Ruddy Turnstone eat?

These clever birds love to feast on a variety of small critters found hiding in sand and under rocks!

Where is Ruddy Turnstone usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Ruddy Turnstone hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Birds