The Ruddy Turnstone

The Ruddy Turnstone

The Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) have circumpolar distribution and in winter move as far south as to South African and the Australian coasts. It is thus common on coasts almost everywhere in the world.

It breeds in arctic regions and live almost exclusively on coasts where it prefers rocky beaches to sandy beaches.

The Ruddy Turnstone has a varied diet including carrion, eggs and plant material but it feeds mainly on invertebrates. Insects are particularly important in the breeding season. At other times it also takes crustaceans, molluscs and worms. It often flips over stones and other objects to get at prey items hiding underneath; this behaviour is the origin of the name "turnstone". It usually forages in flocks.