The Ruddy Turnstone is a small species of shorebird with a global range that has them breeding in the low Arctic and wintering along ocean coastlines nearly all around the world.
Ruddy Turnstones feed on insects, especially during breeding season, as well as a variety of small aquatic prey items like crustaceans and small fish. These opportunistic feeders will hunt for food by turning over stones (hey!) to seek out prey.
In breeding plumage, as seen in our cute cartoon illustration, Ruddy Turnstones look dapper with black and white detailing around the head and neck; the wings are black and rufous. They can also be recognized by their orange legs and feet, and black beaks. Outside of breeding season, Ruddy Turnstones have a duller, more uniform plumage with brownish upperparts. Males and females are similar in appearance.
2021 Bonanza Bird #8: Ruddy Turnstone
Today we add a small, dapper shorebird to Birdorable. It's our Ruddy Turnstone!In breeding plumage, as depicted in our Birdorable illustration, Ruddy Turnstones have white underparts, black and rufous upperparts, with black ... more
