Turnstone (Piardálaí trá, Arenaria interpres)
A small (23cm), distinctively-marked wader, the Turnstone is a common sight all around the Irish coast. Although found here throughout the year, the species does not breed in Ireland; most seen here visit only for the winter, though many youngsters in their first year, not yet of breeding age, choose to remain for the summer too. Very much associated with rocky shores, especially those with an abundance of seaweed, they are also frequently encountered on shingle beaches, estuarine mudflats and piers, where they can appear quite tame and tolerant of people and dogs.
Photo by Ken Kinsella
The species gets its name from its habit of turning over pebbles in search of food. Turnstones specialise in eating barnacles, periwinkles, sandhoppers, flies and other small invertebrates. They are highly opportunistic feeders, however, and will also scavenge carrion and food scraps that are washed up on the shore. They are usually encountered in small flocks, either dashing around busily in search of food or roosting on rocks and seawalls.
In spring and summer, the Turnstone is a handsome bird indeed, with a complex black-and-white head pattern, black breast, white belly and bright orange and brown back and wings. The winter plumage, the most frequently-encountered plumage in Ireland, is duller and much darker brown on the back and wings, with the head pattern less well defined. At all times, however, the species can readily be identified by its compact, chunky shape, short black bill, vivid orange legs and, especially, the striking white patches on its back, wings and tail that are visible only when the bird is in flight.
∏More To learn more about the international importance of Ireland for waders, where to go to see them, or to join BirdWatch Ireland and support their conservation work, please call 01 2819878, email info@birdwatchireland.ie or visit www.birdwatchireland.ie. You can also write to BirdWatch Ireland at PO Box 12, Greystones, Co Wicklow with any bird-related queries