Birds of North America
Puzzle 61 · Along Beaches and Mudflats · Page 87 in print
Ruddy Turnstone
A Ruddy Turnstone uses its stout bill to flip stones, shells, and seaweed, uncovering insects and other small animals hidden underneath.
Jump to a word
The words
Bird Eggs
An occasional nonbreeding food taken from unattended nests.
Black Stripe
A dark stripe crosses the tail in flight.
Calico Pattern
The breeding bird’s chestnut, black, and white pattern.
Dead Fish
Washed-up fish used as food.
Nest Defense
The male attacks intruders while alarm calling.
Orange Legs
A conspicuous leg color.
Pebbles
Small stones overturned while feeding.
Precocial
Chicks can leave the nest within hours.
Ruffled Back
Erect back feathers feature in the male’s display.
Sand Barrens
Bare sandy areas where nests may be made.
Seaweed
Material flipped aside to uncover food.
Sharp Turns
Quick changes of direction made in flight.
Stopover
A migration site used to refuel.
Stout Bill
A strong bill used as a lever when searching for prey.
Upturned Bill
The bill’s slightly raised shape.
Sources
- Ruddy Turnstone: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology
- Ruddy Turnstone: IdentificationCornell Lab of Ornithology