Turnstone Bird - Arenaria interpres
The wader most likely to be found along Ireland’s rocky shoreline. Mainly a winter visitor from northeast Canada and northern Greenland but good numbers pass through Ireland in spring and autumn en route to/from arctic and subarctic breeding grounds. About the size of a Starling, with a stocky build and short orange legs. In winter, its dark brown upperparts, white underside and black breast crescent make it difficult to see amongst seaweed. Spring birds are brighter and show rich chestnut markings on the wing and back. In flight, Turnstones show a series of black and white stripes, resembling a miniature Oystercatcher. Usually occurs in small flocks, moving with head down, constantly flicking over seaweed fronds, pebbles and beach debris with its short, stubby bill, in search of sand hoppers and other invertebrates.
Known in North America as the 'Ruddy Turnstone', there is also a second species, the 'Black Turnstone', which lives on the Pacific coast of North America.
Turnstone Bird - Arenaria interpres
The wader most likely to be found along Ireland’s rocky shoreline. Mainly a winter visitor from northeast Canada and northern Greenland but good numbers pass through Ireland in spring and autumn en route to/from arctic and subarctic breeding grounds. About the size of a Starling, with a stocky build and short orange legs. In winter, its dark brown upperparts, white underside and black breast crescent make it difficult to see amongst seaweed. Spring birds are brighter and show rich chestnut markings on the wing and back. In flight, Turnstones show a series of black and white stripes, resembling a miniature Oystercatcher. Usually occurs in small flocks, moving with head down, constantly flicking over seaweed fronds, pebbles and beach debris with its short, stubby bill, in search of sand hoppers and other invertebrates.
Known in North America as the 'Ruddy Turnstone', there is also a second species, the 'Black Turnstone', which lives on the Pacific coast of North America.