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Arenaria interpres (Linnaeus, 1758)
Ruddy Turnstone
Florida native
These shorebirds are considered winter residents along the entire Florida coast, but some may be seen at any time of year. The winter range extends along most of the United States coast, plus the Caribbean and the coast along much of Central and South America. Breeding occurs on the rocky Arctic coasts and tundra of Alaska and Canada.
One of the most distinguishing features of Arenaria interpres at any time of year are the orange legs. In flight the white lower back and bold black and white wing pattern is visible, as is the white tail with a black tip. At rest the back is a mottled pattern of rusty edged feathers, with bold reddish patches in breeding plumage. The short, stocky, slightly upturned beak is used to turn over small rocks and other objects in search of food.
Arenaria interpres is a member of the Scolopacidae - Sandpipers, Snipes, and relatives family.
iNaturalist profile for this species
For more information on this species, visit the following link:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology web page for this species
Date record last modified: Mar 03, 2025
