Fauna
Bird

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

Also known as Calico Bird, Turnstone

Ruddy turnstones are energetic waders named for their habit of flicking over stones, shells, and seaweed with short wedge-shaped bills to reveal hidden prey. During the breeding season, adults wear a vivid tortoiseshell pattern of chestnut, black, and white before undertaking epic migrations from Arctic tundras to coasts across six continents. On beach stopovers, they forage in small, busy flocks alongside other waders, frequently prying open barnacles or scavenged marine organisms.

ShorebirdMigratoryCoastal
Ruddy Turnstone reference1 / 7
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySand Hoppers, Barnacles, Insect Larvae
Predators
  • Peregrine Falcon
  • Glaucous Gull
  • Arctic Fox
ThreatsHabitat loss at migratory stopovers, climate change, and coastal disturbance
HabitatsRocky shores, sandy beaches, mudflats, and Arctic tundra
Life span9–19 years
Classification
  1. OrderCharadriiformes
  2. FamilyScolopacidae
  3. GenusArenaria
  4. SpeciesArenaria interpres
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognize by bright orange legs, a stout wedge bill, and striking harlequin markings in flight.
Support conservation
Give feeding and resting flocks plenty of room, keeping dogs leashed near coastal shorelines.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Cues: Look along rocky breakwaters and wave-washed cobble where they energetically flip debris.
  • Observer Distance: Give feeding flocks ample space on beaches to prevent energy-draining flight.
  • Seasonal Shifts: Watch for dramatic plumage shifts from dull winter grey to vibrant summer chestnut.
Related species
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