The ring-necked turnstone (Arenaria interpres), commonly called the ruddy turnstone, is a stocky, medium-sized shorebird known for its striking plumage and energetic feeding behavior. Measuring around 22–26cm in length with a wingspan up to 57cm, it displays a bold pattern of contrasting black, white, and chestnut colors during the breeding season. Its head features a dramatic mix of black and white markings, a notable black “collar” on the chest, and bright orange-red legs. The turnstone’s wedge-shaped, slightly upturned black bill is uniquely adapted for its feeding habit: the bird flips over stones, shells, and seaweed along shorelines to uncover invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
A highly migratory species, the ring-necked turnstone breeds in Arctic and subarctic coastal tundra from North America across Eurasia. When summer ends, it embarks on epic migrations, wintering along temperate and tropical seashores worldwide, including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas. Its preferred habitats include rocky and sandy shores, mudflats, and estuaries, where it is often seen in small, active flocks. The turnstone’s distinctive foraging movements and striking appearance make it easy to recognize, and it can live well over 20 years in the wild.
Source: Perplexity.ai
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