Turnstone

The turnstone (Arenaria interpres, known as the ruddy turnstone outside Europe) is a medium-sized wading bird that takes its name from its habit of turning over stones and seaweed on rocky beaches in its search for food.

Not every bird that turns over stones in search of food is a turnstone, so the temptation to label any bird seen doing so as a turnstone must be resisted! The unrelated rock pipit is another such bird, for example.

The turnstone breeds in the Arctic, including Scandinavia, Greenland, Siberia and northern North America, and winters on the coasts of Europe and North Africa. In the United Kingdom it is also seen during its migration passages in Spring and Autumn. Some non-breeding birds may stay throughout the summer. The turnstone is also found in the Southern Hemisphere.

The food that the turnstone turns stones to find includes insects, larvae, worms, spiders and small molluscs. They will also feed on carrion.


Appearance

The turnstone is a stocky bird, about 23 centimetres (9 inches) in length, with a stubby bill and orange legs. During the breeding season the plumage is mottled chestnut and dark brown on the back and wings, white underneath, and pied black and white on the head and chest. Out of the breeding season, which is when it is most likely to be seen by birdwatchers, the chestnut colour is lost and the head, upperparts and breast become grey and black. Female turnstones are similar in appearance to males, although the summer plumage is less brightly coloured or as well defined.


Breeding

Turnstones return to their breeding grounds in April or May, or even as late as June in the case of those heading for the extreme north. The nest, built on a rocky island or shore, comprises a shallow depression with a lining of dry vegetation. A clutch of four eggs is usual, this being incubated by both partners in turn for about 24 days, although the male turnstone spends more time at the nest towards the end of this period and also cares for the chicks during the first few days after hatching. However, both parents look after the young birds as they grow. Turnstones may leave for winter quarters as early as late July, but a departure in August or September is more likely.


Conservation

The turnstone has amber conservation status in the UK, due to the relatively small number of birds that arrive on British shores, and the fact that coastal pollution is always a threat to a bird that has such a limited habitat.

There is an audio clip and other information about turnstones on this page of the RSPBwebsite.

© John Welford