The Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) – so-named for its habit of flipping over stones – has a mottled appearance. It is also known as the ruddy turnstone. In the winter this wader is dullish, dark brown above, with a black pattern on the face and breast, a white chin and white belly. During the summer, adults have a colourful, chestnut and black-chequered pattern on the back. It has orange legs. It creeps over rocks, picking out food from under stones. The Black Turnstone is native to North America. The ruddy turnstone uses its wedge-shaped bill to open barnacles, dig holes and flip aside stones, shells and seaweed in pursuit of small invertebrates and insects.
See also: Black turnstone
