Ruddy Turnstone

Copyright: AW/monacoeye • Madeira, October 2010 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Ruddy Turnstone
Latin: Arenaria interpres
Other: Turnstone • Rola-do-mar, vira-pedras (Pt) • Tournepierre à collier (Fr) • Steinwälzer (De) • Vuelvepiedras común (Es)
Family: Scolopacidae • Waders, Sandpipers
Range: Breeds near northern coastlines, eg Scandinavia, Iceland, Alaska, migrating southwards worldwide eg Washington, Massachussets, Brazil, China, Japan

Many thanks to Alexia for sending in these photos of Turnstones. Above in non-breeding plumage, in Madeira, October. Directly below, coming into breeding plumage in Iceland, April.

The Turnstone is identifiable by orange legs and dark chest pattern and its behaviour of flipping over stones when looking for insects or crustaceans.

Directly below, Ruddy Turnstone in Iceland, April, breeding plumage
More photos...