Ruddy turnstone

Scientific name: Arenaria interpres

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Compact shorebirds with distinctive russet-red and black upper parts, white belly, and bold facial markings during breeding plumage; winter birds are duller brown and white. Characteristic short, slightly upturned orange bill and orange legs are visible at close range.

Size and weight

Males and females: 21–26 cm body length; weight 85–150 g, with females slightly heavier on average.

Habitat

Ruddy turnstones breed on arctic and subarctic tundra, rocky shorelines, and sparse vegetation habitats at high latitudes. They winter on rocky coasts, mudflats, and beaches in temperate and tropical regions worldwide.

Distribution

Circumpolar breeder across arctic regions; winters coastally on temperate, subtropical, and tropical shores worldwide. Occurs on all continents except Antarctica, with regular passage through inland wetlands during migration.

Diet

Omnivorous foragers consuming small invertebrates (insects, amphipods, mollusks), crustaceans, and occasionally plant material; diet shifts toward more plant matter and carrion in winter.

Behaviour

Highly social and restless shorebirds, active primarily in daylight hours; characteristically flip and probe among rocks and debris for food. Migratory, often seen in small to large flocks during migration and winter.

Hunting tips

Glass rocky shorelines and mudflats during migration periods for characteristic feeding flocks; birds are skittish and approach should be downwind and behind cover. Use the tide line and boulder-strewn terrain for concealment; these birds are quick fliers and spook easily when disturbed.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 1 country in Huntify.

Barbados

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.