Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
Genus: Arenaria
Species: A. interpres
Binomial name: Arenaria interpret
Common names: Ruddy turnstone, Turnstone
Arenaria interpret is a circumpolar annual breeder on the Arctic and subarctic tundra. They arrive in New Zealand during August-November and after summer they depart in March-May to breed in the Arctic. They are widespread in New Zealand, usually inhabiting coastal areas but are often seen in paddocks and on mudflats. The eat a wide range of food including insects, molluscs, worms, birds eggs, plant material and carrion. Their common name derives from their turning over of stones, shells, seaweed with their bills.searching for food.
Arenaria interpret is a small, stocky bird about the size of a blackbird. They are >24 cm long with a wingspan of >57 cm and a weight of 85–150 g. They have a dark, wedge-shaped bill that is >2.5 cm long and is slightly upturned. The legs are fairly short at 3.5 cm and are bright orange in colour. The plumage is dominated by a harlequin-like pattern of black and white feathers.
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