ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Ruddy Turnstone

 Ruddy Turnstone

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The spade-like bill of the ruddy turnstone is effective for flipping over small rocks in search of food, but they also are known to pirate and eat eggs from tern colonies, and often scavenge on carrion.


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Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 22-24 days

• Clutch Size: 4 eggs

• Young Fledge: 19-21 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: aquatic invertebrates
Description
Spring birds are resplendent in their bright, parti-colored plumage, but the ruddy turnstone is easily recognized at all times. The face and breast have conspicuous black markings.

Habitat and Habits
Ruddy turnstones are great wanderers, turning up on every continent but Antarctica after dispersing from their Arctic breeding grounds. Calls are soft, high-pitched wikki-wikki-wikki sounds, sometimes accelerating into a jumbled chatter.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Breeding takes place on the coastal tundra of Alaska and northern Canada.