Sandpipers, Phalaropes

Ruddy Turnstone, Arenaria interpres

Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Phalaropes)

Size: 9.5"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Wide variety of shoreline habitats, from rocky intertidal sites to beaches and mudflats

The gregarious, frenetic ruddy turnstone is a chunky, short-legged shorebird with a short, wedge-shaped bill. The breeding adult has ruddy and black upperparts, a white belly, and a complex pattern of black and white on the head. The nonbreeding bird is pale brown and black above, with drab head markings. The stubby legs are orange. In flight the bird is white below and strongly patterned light and dark above. Turnstones bustle about constantly to pick, pry, or probe for almost any food item. Indeed, it will “turn stones” to search for its prey. The nonbreeding adult (top) and breeding adult (bottom) are illustrated.