The Ruddy Turnstone is a compact shorebird with distinctive plumages and bright orange legs. It has a
short, wedge-shaped dark bill that it uses in its unique foraging style. This male was found recently at Wood Neck Beach in Falmouth. This Turnstone shows striking breeding plumage with a white belly, rusty colored back striped with black and white, black and white face markings and a black bib on its breast. Click
here for a sound clip of the short rattling chuckle or twittering of the Turnstone.
During migration turnstones inhabit coastal areas with sandy or rocky shores, although they are most typically
found on mudflats, especially those with rocks. They are named for their method of feeding, in which they walk along the beach, overturning small stones and seaweed looking for small marine food items. A recent Cape Cod weekly bird sightings report from Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary showed 86 ruddy turnstones at Lieutenant Island in Wellfleet.
Enjoy,
Craig Gibson
Woods Hole
During migration turnstones inhabit coastal areas with sandy or rocky shores, although they are most typically
Enjoy,
Craig Gibson
Woods Hole
