Common name: Ruddy Turnstone
Scientific name: Arenaria interpres
Family: Scolopacidae

Size:
Body length: 21–24 cm
Wingspan: 43–49 cm
Weight: 85–150 g

Identification:
A compact, sturdy shorebird with a short neck and strong, slightly upturned bill. In breeding plumage, it shows a striking mix of chestnut, black, and white, with bold patterns on the head and upperparts. In non-breeding plumage, it appears more subdued, grey-brown with less contrast. The legs are bright orange, a key feature in all seasons.

Habitat:
Rocky shores, coastal beaches, mudflats, and harbors. Often associated with intertidal zones.

Status in the UAE:
Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Widely recorded along coasts.

Status in Lebanon:
Passage migrant and winter visitor. Found along coastal areas.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds on insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates.

Behavior:
Named for its feeding behavior—actively flips over stones, shells, and debris using its bill to find hidden prey. Energetic and constantly moving. Often seen in small groups, sometimes mixed with other waders.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)