Ruddy Turnstone

A medium-sized, robust wader with a unique harlequin-like pattern. It has short, bright orange legs. This bird lives on rocky shorelines and gravel beaches. It is identified by its slightly upturned, wedge-shaped black bill. It breeds in the high Arctic and migrates to European coasts for the winter. Its brown, black, and white plumage provides effective camouflage near seaweed-covered rocks.

This bird uses its strong bill to flip over stones, shells, and seaweed. It does this to uncover small crustaceans and insects hiding underneath. Turnstones are often seen in small, busy flocks scurrying along the water's edge. They have a hunched posture. These birds are bold and often forage close to piers or sea walls near humans.