Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the ruddy turnstone in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the ruddy turnstone in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the ruddy turnstone in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the ruddy turnstone’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Ruddy turnstone
Scientific name: Arenaria interpres
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: SCOLOPACIDAE
Group: Birds
Sensitivity to human approach: Suspicious
Minimum approach distance: 30 m
Courtship display: May to August
Incubation: 21–24 jours
Hatchings: May to August
Habitat:
Beaches, coastal areas, and sandy shores of the Atlantic and North Sea, often observed on coasts or during migration
Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.
Identification and description:
The Ruddy Turnstone is a small migratory bird primarily found on rocky and sandy coastal areas in Europe, Asia, and North America. It typically measures about 22 cm in length and weighs between 60 and 100 g. Its plumage is characterized by earthy colors, with black, brown, and white patches, and a distinctive black band around the neck, which gives it its name. The Ruddy Turnstone primarily feeds on small invertebrates found by probing rocks and beaches, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. It is an excellent migrant, traveling long distances between its breeding sites in Europe and its wintering grounds in Africa and Asia. While its population remains stable in some areas, it is threatened by the loss of its coastal habitat due to urbanization and pollution.
Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
The WildlifePhotographer App is coming soon!
Be the first to explore the best nature spots, track rutting seasons, log your observations, and observe more wildlife.
Already 1 406 wildlife lovers subscribed worldwide