Arenaria interpres

For a wader, turnstones have short legs. They don't look for their food in the mud or water, but between stones. They thank their name to the fact that they turn over stones while looking for food. They are truly worldy citizens; you find them almost everywhere. They nest from the end of May on rocky islands along the coast and on tundra in the Arctic region. They migrate south at the beginning of June. In the Netherlands, you can see them almost the entire year along the coast, but in particular during migration season and in the winter. 'Our' winter turnstones nest mostly in Greenland or Canada.

A medium-sized (8-10 inches) plover, the Ruddy Turnstone in summer is most easily identified by its orange back and legs, pale breast, white head with black patches on the face and throat. In winter, this species becomes dull brown above and white below. Birds in summer plumage are unmistakable, while winter birds may be separated from other dull shorebirds by this species’ short, upturned bill. Male and female Ruddy Turnstones are similar to one another in all seasons. The Ruddy Turnstone occurs throughout much of the world. In the New World, this species breeds in the high arctic of Canada, Alaska, and Greenland, wintering along the coasts of the Americas from mid-latitude North America south to southern South America. In the Old World, this species breeds along the edge of the Arctic Ocean, wintering from Europe south to South Africa and from South Asia south to Australasia and the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Ruddy Turnstones breed in wet areas on the arctic tundra. In winter, this species may be found along the coast on sandy or rocky beaches. Ruddy Turnstones primarily eat small insects during the summer months, switching to crustaceans and small fish during the winter. Due to this species’ remote breeding grounds, most birdwatchers are only familiar with Ruddy Turnstones during the winter. At that time, this species is most easily seen while walking or running along the shoreline, turning over stones while foraging for food (a behavior which gave this species its name). Ruddy Turnstones are most active during the day.

Threat Status: Least concern

Ruddy turnstones breed far north in arctic tundra from Alaska, across Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, and northern Siberia to the Bering Sea. In winter they are found along almost all of the coastlines of the world, including North, Central, and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Pacific Ocean islands.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native ); palearctic (Native ); oriental (Native ); ethiopian (Native ); neotropical (Native ); australian (Native ); oceanic islands (Native )

Other Geographic Terms: holarctic ; cosmopolitan

Belgian Exclusive Economic Zone, Djibouti, Eritrea, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Iceland, Irish Exclusive economic Zone, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone, North West Atlantic, Polish Exclusive Economic Zone, Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone, Red Sea, Somalia, South Africa (country), Spanish Exclusive Economic Zone, Tanzania, United Kingdom Exclusive Economic Zone, Wimereux

North America; southern Nova Scotia to the Gulf States

Ruddy turnstones are one of the northernmost breeding shorebirds. They breed in arctic tundra from Alaska, across Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, the Baltic Islands, and across northern Siberia to the Bering Sea. In winter they are found along coastlines from northern Massachusetts and northern California throughout the Antilles, Central and South America to Tierra del Fuego and along coastlines throughout Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native ); palearctic (Native ); oriental (Native ); ethiopian (Native ); neotropical (Native ); australian (Native ); oceanic islands (Native )

Other Geographic Terms: holarctic ; cosmopolitan

occurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Breeding

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: (>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)) Circumpolar. BREEDS: northern Alaska and Canadian arctic islands south to western Alaska, and Southhampton, Coats, and Mansel islands, probably also northern Mackenzie and northern Keewatin; Greenland, Iceland, Palearctic. NORTHERN WINTER: coast from central California, Gulf Coast, and New York south through West Indies to southern South America; Pacific islands (common in Hawaii August-May, a few stay all year); Australia, New Zealand, Old World. Nonbreeders may summer in winter range. In South America, by far the most important area is north-central coast of Brazil between Belem and Sao Luis; other important areas include Suriname and French Guiana as well as the northeast coast of Brazil (Morrison and Ross 1989).

Ruddy turnstones are small, robust Scolopacidae with stout, black, slightly upturned bills. They are 21 to 26 cm long, weighing from 84 and 190 g, and a wingspan of 50 to 57 cm. They look similar in all seasons and males and females look alike. Ruddy turnstones have reddish-brown feathers on their back and wings. They have black and brown feathers on the head and mixed in with the reddish feathers on their backs. The belly is white and the legs are bright orange. They have a dark, black band that stretches across the neck and chest, like a bib.

Range mass: 84 to 190 g.

Range length: 21 to 26 cm.

Range wingspan: 50 to 57 cm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike

Ruddy turnstones are small, robust sandpipers with stout, black, slightly upturned bills. They are 21 to 26 cm long, weighing from 84 and 190 g, and a wingspan of 50 to 57 cm. Plumage in breeding and non-breeding seasons are similar, slightly darker overall in the non-breeding season. Males and females are also similar in appearance. Ruddy turnstones have rufous feathers on their back and dorsal surface of their wings. They have black and brown plumage on the head and interspersed with the rufous areas overall. The belly is white and the legs are bright orange. They have a dark, black band that stretches across the neck and chest, like a bib. In flight they have distinctive white wing stripes and black on the trailing edge of the wing. There are two white stripes along the back and a broad, white rump patch.

Range mass: 84 to 190 g.

Range length: 21 to 26 cm.

Range wingspan: 50 to 57 cm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike

Length: 24 cm

Weight: 141 grams

Length: 21-25 cm. Plumage: above mottled dull or dusky brown and black; below white; sides of face and breast blackish, cheeks and chin white; wingbar and inner wing coverts white; wedge on back white with black patch on rump and wide black sub-terminal band on white tail; breeding bird with rufous replacing brown and very bold intricate black and white face and breast pattern. Immature . Bare parts: iris brown; bill black and wedge-shaped, slightly upturned; feet and short legs orange with black joints. Habitat: rocky beaches, tidal reefs, mudflats, coral reefs and weedy beaches; some inland waters. Palearctic migrant. <389><391><393>

Ruddy turnstones are found in arctic tundra and rocky coastal areas during the breeding season and along coastlines during winter and migration. Preferred habitats in winter are sandy coastlines and mudflats, but ruddy turnstones are also found on rocky beaches, wetlands, and other intertidal areas.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; tropical ; polar ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune

Aquatic Biomes: coastal

Other Habitat Features: estuarine

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial
• Freshwater
• Marine

Ruddy turnstones are found in arctic tundra and rocky coastal areas during the breeding season and along coastlines during winter and migration. Preferred habitats in winter are sandy coastlines and mudflats, but ruddy turnstones are also found on rocky beaches, wetlands, and other intertidal areas.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; tropical ; polar ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune

Aquatic Biomes: coastal

Other Habitat Features: estuarine

Depth range based on 48 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 36 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0 - 0
  Temperature range (°C): 8.094 - 16.999
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.119 - 14.675
  Salinity (PPS): 32.704 - 35.363
  Oxygen (ml/l): 5.554 - 6.701
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.351 - 0.763
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.872 - 7.519

Graphical representation

Temperature range (°C): 8.094 - 16.999

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.119 - 14.675

Salinity (PPS): 32.704 - 35.363

Oxygen (ml/l): 5.554 - 6.701

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.351 - 0.763

Silicate (umol/l): 1.872 - 7.519
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

Comments: Nonbreeding: rocky, barren pebbly coasts, sandy beaches, mud flats, river mouths, tidal creeks, and shores of lakes (AOU 1983); fields (Shallenberger 1984). Nests in dry, dwarf-shrub tundra, usually near water (AOU 1983); various habitats ranging from wet mud or barren peat to dense vegetation, though appears to favor barren habitats (see Johnson and Herter 1989). Usually breeds along the coast. Nests on the ground; may nest near other ruddy turnstones.

Non-Migrant: No. All populations of this species make significant seasonal migrations.

Locally Migrant: No. No populations of this species make local extended movements (generally less than 200 km) at particular times of the year (e.g., to breeding or wintering grounds, to hibernation sites).

Locally Migrant: Yes. At least some populations of this species make annual migrations of over 200 km.

In U.S. migrates northward mainly in May, along Atlantic, Great Lakes, and Pacific coast; arrives in Beaufort Sea region beginning mid- to late May. Juveniles, are last to depart breeding areas, begin to migrate south during last half of August and early September; fall migrants common in s. Quebec, Newfoundland, and Maritime Provinces (Johnson and Herter 1989). Migrants common in Costa Rica late March-late May and August-October (Stiles and Skutch 1989). Arrives in northern South America by September, most depart by end of May (Hilty and Brown 1986). Usually flys high, in large flocks, during migration.

The ruddy turnstone diet varies seasonally between wintering and breeding habitats. They eat mainly invertebrates, mostly Insecta, mostly Diptera, during the breeding season and Crustacea, Mollusca, and other marine invertebrates during migration and winter.

Ruddy turnstones actively hunt down and efficiently manipulate prey. They use their stout bills to turn over rocks and other objects and probe into sand and soil to find prey. They are skilled at opening and eating bivalves and barnacles.

Animal Foods: fish; eggs; carrion ; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods; mollusks; terrestrial worms; aquatic or marine worms; aquatic crustaceans; echinoderms; other marine invertebrates

Plant Foods: fruit

The ruddy turnstone diet varies seasonally between wintering and breeding habitats. They eat primarily invertebrates, mostly insects during the breeding season and crustaceans, mollusks, and other marine invertebrates during migration and winter. In the breeding season, ruddy turnstones use their stout bills to turn over rocks, probe through tundra vegetation or soils, and chase down mostly insect prey. Early in the season they may rely on carrion and plant materials, until insect prey becomes more abundant. Dominant prey in summer are flies and their larvae (Diptera), especially midges (Chironomidae), but also crane flies (Tipulidae), dance flies (Empididae), syrphid flies (Syrphidae), muscid flies (Muscidae), and blow flies (Calliphoridae). They also take spiders (Dictynidae, Lycosidae, Linyphiidae, Thomisidae), moth and butterfly larvae (Lymantriidae, Liparidae, Noctuidae, Nymphalidae), and beetles (Coleoptera). They may also take the eggs of colonial nesting birds (Larus, Sterna) in summer if they are nesting nearby. Once the young have hatched, families hunt together mostly along the margins of ponds and wetlands, where dipteran prey is most abundant.

In winter and during migration, ruddy turnstones take prey found on or just under the surface in their sandy, coastal habitats, especially crustaceans, mollusks, and polychaete worms. Diet varies with local and temporal availability of prey. During migration they will take advantage of highly abundant, but temporary, food resources, such as horseshoe crab eggs (Limulus polyphemus) on the mid-Atlantic coast during May and blowfly larvae (Calliphoridae) along the coasts of Alaska during August. Ruddy turnstones are opportunistic and will take carrion, the eggs of other birds, fish, and plant material as available. Dominant prey items in winter habitats include barnacles (Balanus), amphipods (Gammarus, Caprella), copepods (Calanus), shrimp and crabs (Crago, Cancer, Hippa, Emerita, Carcinus, Eupagurus, Pagurus), polychaete worms (Nereis), chitons (Chaetopleura, Chiten), periwinkles (Littorina), and bivalves (Mytilus, Cardium, Mya). They include other aquatic invertebrates in their diet as well.

Ruddy turnstones are aggressive birds, actively hunting down and efficiently manipulating prey. They use their stout bills to turn over rocks and other objects and probe into substrates to find prey. They are skilled at opening and dislodging bivalves and barnacles.

Animal Foods: fish; eggs; carrion ; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods; mollusks; terrestrial worms; aquatic or marine worms; aquatic crustaceans; echinoderms; other marine invertebrates

Plant Foods: fruit

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore , Eats non-insect arthropods, Molluscivore )

Comments: Feeds on crustaceans (amphipods, soft parts of barnacles, fiddler crabs, eggs, etc.) worms, insects and their larvae, and mollusks. Also known to eat berries, tern and spotted sandpiper eggs, and crumbs from picnic areas (Terres 1980). In spring at Delaware Bay, consumes large numbers of horseshoe crab eggs (Castro and Myers 1993, Botton et al. 1994). Forages mainly in intertidal zone; overturns shells, debris, digs into sand (Stiles and Skutch 1989).

Ruddy turnstones are predators of insects and other invertebrates in their tundra breeding habitats and crustaceans and mollusks in coastal habitats at other times of the year.

Mutualist Species:

• collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx_groenlandicus)

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

• nematodes (Nematoda)

Most predation on ruddy turnstones is on eggs and hatchlings. Predators include Stercorarius longicaudus, Stercorarius parasiticus, Larus hyperboreus, Corvus corax, Vulpes lagopus, and Vulpes vulpes. Many predators take more ruddy turnstone eggs and young when numbers of Dicrostonyx groenlandicus are low. Ruddy turnstones place their nests far away from others, in order to avoid being found by predators. Males patrol the nesting territory and warn the female when there is a predator nearby. The female will then sneak away from the nest so that the predators can't find it. Parents warn their hatchlings to freeze when they see a predator and the parents may try to distract the predatory by pretending to have a broken wing. Adults are only occasionally preyed on by birds of prey, like Accipiter nisus, Falco peregrinus, Falco columbarius, and Strigiformes.

Known Predators:

• long-tailed jaegers (Stercorarius_longicaudus)
• parasitic jaegers (Stercorarius_parasiticus)
• glaucous gulls (Larus_hyperboreus)
• common ravens (Corvus_corax)
• arctic foxes (Vulpes_lagopus)
• red foxes (Vulpes_vulpes)
• Eurasian sparrow-hawks (Accipiter_nisus)
• peregrine falcons (Falco_peregrinus)
• merlins (Falco_columbarius)
• owls (Strigiformes)

Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic

Ruddy turnstones are important predators of insects and other invertebrates in their tundra breeding habitats and crustaceans and mollusks in coastal habitats at other times of the year. There are few parasites recorded in ruddy turnstones, only some records of nematode infections.

Mutualist Species:

• collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus)

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

• nematodes (Nematoda)

Most predation on ruddy turnstones is on eggs and hatchlings. Known predators are long-tailed jaegers (Stercorarius longicaudus), parasitic jaegers (Stercorarius parasiticus), glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus), common ravens (Corvus corax), arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Jaegers may be the primary predators, they will continue to visit nests that they discover until all eggs or young are taken. Predation pressure on ruddy turnstones and other shorebirds nesting in tundra is highest when population numbers of collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) are lowest. Ruddy turnstones have dispersed nesting territories, even in habitats with dense populations, to make it more difficult for predators to discover nests. Males actively patrol the nesting territory and warn the female when there is a predator nearby. In response, females sneak away from the nest to disguise its location from the predator. When predators are detected by pairs with hatchlings, their warning calls cause the hatchlings to freeze and the parents may perform a distraction display, pretending to be injured. Adults are only occasionally preyed on, reported predators of adults are Eurasian sparrow-hawks (Accipiter nisus), peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), merlins (Falco columbarius), and owls (Strigiformes).

Known Predators:

• long-tailed jaegers (Stercorarius longicaudus)
• parasitic jaegers (Stercorarius parasiticus)
• glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus)
• common ravens (Corvus corax)
• arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus)
• red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
• Eurasian sparrow-hawks (Accipiter nisus)
• peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus)
• merlins (Falco columbarius)
• owls (Strigiformes)

Anti-predator Adaptations: cryptic

Arenaria interpres (Arenaria interpres turnstone) preys on:
Carcinus
Corophium
Gammaridae
Corophium volutator
Gammarus
Hydrobia ulvae
Littorina littorea
Mytilus edulis

Based on studies in:
Scotland, Ythan estuary (Estuarine)
Scotland (Estuarine)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Arenaria interpres (Arenaria interpres turnstone) is prey of:
Himasthla elongata
Levinseniella brachysoma
Maritrema gratiosum
Hymenolepis

Based on studies in:
Scotland (Estuarine)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

100,000 - 1,000,000 individuals

Comments: Morrison et al. (2001) estimated the global population at 449,000 and the North American population at 235,000.

Usually feeds singly or in small numbers (may defend individual feeding territory); may feed with other shorebirds along sandy or rocky beaches. May form large flocks (500 or more) during migration. Sleeps or rests in flocks.

Ruddy turnstones use calls and visual displays when communicating with others. They display on the ground and in the air to attract mates. Males call more than females, but both sexes use calls of different kinds. Ruddy turnstones have been described as "noisy." Variations on a call that sounds like "kitititit" are contact and alarm calls. "Pri pri pri" type calls are used to call young. Clicking calls and sounds are used when distracting or attacking predators and high pitched "i i i" sounds are distress calls.

Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic

Ruddy turnstones use vocalizations and visual displays extensively in communicating with conspecifics. They use displays, both on the ground and in the air, to attract mates and reinforce pair bonds. Males vocalize more than females, but both sexes do produce a variety of calls in different contexts. Ruddy turnstones have been described as "noisy." Variations on a call that sounds like "kitititit" are contact and alarm calls. "Pri pri pri" type calls are used to call young. Clicking calls and sounds are used when distracting or attacking predators and high pitched "i i i" sounds are distress calls.

Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic

Comments: Rests at night and at high tide.

The longest recorded lifespan for ruddy turnstones in the wild is 19.7 years. Average lifespan in Finland was estimated at 6 to 7 years.

Range lifespan
Status: wild: 19.75 (high) years.

The longest lifespan for ruddy turnstones in the wild is an individual that lived to 19.7 years. Average lifespan in Finland was estimated at 6 to 7 years. Survival rates in the first year are estimated at 45 to 58% in some areas. Annual survival of adults is estimated at 66 to 85% in some areas. Eggs and hatchlings are vulnerable to cold weather, damage to eggs during incubation, and predation.

Range lifespan
Status: wild: 19.75 (high) years.

Maximum longevity: 19.7 years (wild)

Ruddy turnstones form mated pairs that stay together over many years. Pairs meet again in the same breeding territory used the last year. Ruddy turnstones are fairly aggressive and will even attack their mates at first. Males and females both use flight displays to help attract their mates. Once they are back together, males and females stay within sight of each other until they start incubating the eggs.

Mating System: monogamous

Ruddy turnstones arrive on the breeding grounds in late May and early June and mate and begin to lay eggs within 7 to 10 days of their arrival. They create a nest scrape lined with leaves and lichen. Females lay 1 egg each day and usually lay 4 dark brown or olive splotched eggs. Incubation is 21 to 24 days long. Young hatch within a day or two of each other. Fledging occurs at 19 to 21 days old, at which point the young are independent. Ruddy turnstone young remain on their wintering grounds throughout their first year after hatching. Young begin to breed in their 2nd year, although breeding may be delayed until 3 or 4 years old.

Breeding interval: Ruddy turnstones breed once yearly.

Breeding season: Ruddy turnstones breed in May and June.

Range eggs per season: 2 to 5.

Average eggs per season: 4.

Range time to hatching: 21 to 24 days.

Range birth mass: 10 to 12.5 g.

Average birth mass: 11.42 g.

Range fledging age: 19 to 21 days.

Range time to independence: 19 to 21 days.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 4 (high) years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 years.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 4 (high) years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 years.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)

Females and males incubate the eggs, but females do most of the incubation and caring for the eggs and nest. Males patrol the nest area and warn the female if there are predators nearby, at which point she will move from the nest to distract attention from the eggs. Young ruddy turnstones hatch with downy feathers and are able to walk and begin to find food within a few hours after hatching and the nest is abandoned within a day of hatching. Males and females protect the hatchlings, but the female abandons them mid-way through the hatchling period and the male remains to protect the young until they fledge, at 19 to 21 days old. Parents aggressively guard their young and lead them to areas with lots of prey, especially Chironomidae, so they can feed themselves. A few days after fledging, usually at 21 to 23 days old, the young are almost at adult sizes and begin their first migration to the wintering grounds.

Parental Investment: precocial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Protecting: Male, Female)

Ruddy turnstones are monogamous. Pairs form on the breeding territory, meeting again in the same territory used the previous year. In one study 16 turnstones kept the same mate each year over a 5 year period. Ruddy turnstones are aggressive, mated pairs initially are aggressive towards each other, even when one or the other returns to the nest. Pair bonds are renewed through courtship displays on the ground and in the air. Displays can be initiated by either females or males. Once the pair bond is established, males and females remain within sight of each other until egg-laying begins.

Mating System: monogamous

Ruddy turnstones arrive on the breeding grounds in late May and early June and establish pair bonds within 7 to 10 days of their arrival and create a nest scrape lined with leaves and lichen and begin laying eggs within a few days after that, usually by mid-June. Egg laying is influenced by the availability of prey and may be delayed if there isn't enough animal foods. Females lay 1 egg each day for the first 3 eggs, with other eggs laid at 1 to 2 day intervals. Locally, females are highly synchronous in egg-laying. Clutches are completed by late June and incubation begins at the 3rd egg laid. Clutches are from 2 to 5, but usually 4, dark brown or olive splotched eggs and incubation is 21 to 24 days long. Young hatch within a day or two of each other. Fledging occurs at 19 to 21 days old, at which point the young are independent. Ruddy turnstone young remain on their wintering grounds throughout their first year after hatching. Young begin to breed in their 2nd year, although breeding may be delayed until 3 or 4 years old.

Breeding interval: Ruddy turnstones breed once yearly.

Breeding season: Ruddy turnstones breed in May and June.

Range eggs per season: 2 to 5.

Average eggs per season: 4.

Range time to hatching: 21 to 24 days.

Range birth mass: 10 to 12.5 g.

Average birth mass: 11.42 g.

Range fledging age: 19 to 21 days.

Range time to independence: 19 to 21 days.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 4 (high) years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 2 years.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 4 (high) years.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 2 years.

Key Reproductive Features: seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)

Females and males incubate the eggs, but females do most of the incubation and caring for the eggs and nest. Males patrol the nest area and warn the female of the presence of predators, at which point she will move from the nest to distract attention from the eggs. Young ruddy turnstones hatch with downy feathers and are able to walk and begin to find food within a few hours after hatching and the nest is abandoned within a day of hatching. Males and females protect the hatchlings, but the female abandons the brood mid-way through the hatchling period and the male remains to protect the young until they fledge, at 19 to 21 days old. Parents aggressively guard their young and lead them to areas with lots of prey, especially midges, so they can feed themselves. A few days after fledging, usually at 21 to 23 days old, the young are almost at adult sizes and begin their first migration to the wintering grounds.

Parental Investment: precocial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Protecting: Male, Female)

Egg laying occurs mainly in mid-June in arctic Canada. Both sexes incubate usually 4 eggs for 21-22 days (Terres 1980). Nestlings are precocial. Young initially are tended by both parents; can fly 24-26 days after hatching.

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 15
Specimens with Barcodes: 22
Species With Barcodes: 1

The following is a representative barcode sequence, the centroid of all available sequences for this species.

There are 13 barcode sequences available from BOLD and GenBank.  Below is a sequence of the barcode region Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI or COX1) from a member of the species.  See the BOLD taxonomy browser for more complete information about this specimen and other sequences.

Download FASTA File

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: N4B,N5N : N4B: Apparently Secure - Breeding, N5N: Secure - Nonbreeding

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5B,N5N : N5B: Secure - Breeding, N5N: Secure - Nonbreeding

Ruddy turnstones are not considered threatened because of their large geographic range and population sizes. They are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Act. However, populations are threatened by many of the things that threaten shorebirds worldwide: alteration, destruction, and contamination of coastal habitats. Their breeding grounds may also be influenced by global climate change. Especially serious is the effect of coastal disturbance on ruddy turnstones during migration. They rely on places along their migration route where superabundant food resources, such as horseshoe crab eggs (Limulus_polyphemus) or herring eggs (Clupea_harengus), help them gain fat for the rest of their migration.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

US Migratory Bird Act: protected

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Contributor/s

Justification

History

• 2008
  Least Concern
• 2004
  Least Concern

Ruddy turnstones are not considered threatened because of their large geographic range and population sizes. They are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Act. However, populations are threatened by many of the things that threaten shorebirds worldwide: alteration, destruction, and contamination of coastal habitats. Their breeding grounds may be influenced increasingly by global climate changes. Especially critical is the impact of coastal disturbance on ruddy turnstones during migration, especially important staging areas where historically superabundant food resources, such as horseshoe crab eggs (Limulus polyphemus) or herring eggs (Clupea harengus), were critical to body condition during the spring migration.

US Migratory Bird Act: protected

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

State of Michigan List: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Regular passage visitor and winter visitor.

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

Major Threats

There are no adverse effects of ruddy turnstones on humans.

Ruddy turnstones are fun to watch as they forage along beaches.

There are no adverse effects of ruddy turnstones on humans.

Ruddy turnstones are interesting and charismatic members of coastal faunas throughout the world.