Ruddy Turnstone

1. Bright orange legs and a short, slightly upturned black bill

2. Bold black-and-white head and chest pattern in breeding season

3. Unique behaviour of flipping stones and debris while foraging

Ruddy Turnstones breed in the Arctic tundra from late May to July, where they nest in shallow scrapes lined with leaves and lichen. Females typically lay 2–4 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 22–27 days and is mostly carried out by the female, though both parents help care for the chicks until they fledge at around 19–21 days old. After breeding, adults and fledglings migrate separately to wintering grounds, with juveniles often making their first long journey alone. In Australia, they feed mainly on invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs, and insects, using their specialised bill to uncover hidden prey. Their feeding activity follows tidal cycles, peaking at low tide`.`

In Australia, Ruddy Turnstones are most often seen from September to April along rocky coastlines, jetties, and reef platforms, as well as sandy beaches with plenty of debris. They forage in small flocks, especially at low tide, methodically searching for food by turning over stones, shells, and seaweed. They are loyal to productive feeding sites and are sometimes found on man-made structures near the water