Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 8.3–6.3 in
21–16 cm - Wingspan
- 19.7–22.4 in
50–57 cm - Weight
- 3–6.7 oz
84–190 g
Other Names
- Tournepierre à collier (French)
- Vuelvepiedras rojizo (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The male Ruddy Turnstone makes nest-like scrapes in the ground within his territory, often close to the final site selected by the female. The male's scrapes are made before the female starts to lay eggs, and are part of the courtship and nest site selection process. No eggs are laid in the scapes the male makes.
- As their name suggests, turnstones often forage by turning over stones and other objects.
Habitat
Shore-line
Breeds on rocky arctic coasts and tundra. On migration and in winter, mostly along rocky shores, but also sand beaches and mudflats.
Food
Insects
Aquatic invertebrates and insects. Also carrion, garbage, and bird's eggs.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Egg Description
- Oval to mildly pointed, olive or brown with dark brown spots and blotches.
- Condition at Hatching
- Active and covered with down. Leave nest and feed themselves in first day.
Nest Description
Scrape or depression in ground or vegetation. Lined with some vegetation.
Nest Placement
Ground
Behavior
Ground Forager
Uses oddly-shaped bill to flip and turn stones, algae, sticks, and other items to find food underneath. Probes in cracks. Pecks at food on surface of rocks
Conservation
Least Concern
Populations relatively stable.
Credits
- Nettleship, D. N. 2000. Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres). In The Birds of North America, No. 537 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.