|
 |
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Scolopacidae Chick Type: Precocial (Only need parental attendance) Ruddy Turnstones can be seen on almost every sandy beach along the American coastline all the way to the Brazilian coastline during winter. In April, they start their migration to their breeding grounds in northern Alaska and Canada. Ruddys are also found in Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. There are only two members of the genus Arenaria, the other is the Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocephala). Their diet consists of marine invertebrates (crustaceans, mollusks, marine worms), carrion, eggs, and plant matter. Turnstones lay 2-5 eggs in a scrape in the ground that is lined with plant matter. The egg takes 22 - 24 days to hatch. Both parents will attend to the young, but the female will take off before the checks fledge. The chicks will fledge when they are around three weeks old. Ruddy Turnstones are often seen foraging for food at rocky areas of beaches, such as jetties. This species gets its name from turning over rocks to look for prey items that hid under them. |
|
     |
 |
