Day 43: Ruddy Turnstone

Last time we were at the Ocean City inlet, I saw one lone Ruddy Turnstone on the rocks. This small shorebird is common on the eastern and western coasts of the U.S., Mexico, and Central America during the winter, after migrating from arctic breeding grounds.

During the winter, Ruddy Turnstones feed on rocky and sandy beaches by turning over rocks and other debris. They have a wide pallet, eating everything from fish to human garbage. I watched my little friend at Ocean City pick at the rocks for several minutes, searching for food. Farther north during the breeding season, they primarily eat flies.

Ruddy Turnstones have distinct plumage during the breeding season, which we unfortunately did not see. Non-breeding birds are duller, with dark grey-brown upperparts with black spotting. The breast is mainly black and the rest of the underparts are white.