Ruddy Turnstone
Credit: Jason Crotty

North American field guide

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

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Identification

Field notes

20-25 cm (8-10") Common. Nests on Tundra, winters along rocky coastal shores, beaches.

Plump, robin-sized shorebird with short orange legs. Turns over stones and shore weeds with bill in search of food.

Summer: striking black-and-white head, black and chestnut upperparts, white underparts, black bra-like breast pattern.

Winter: similar pattern but much duller.

In flight: bold black, brown, and white pattern on wing, rump, and tail.

Song: rattled "tuk-a-tuk".

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Videos

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