Ruddy Turnstone

Recognition
Brown wings containing large flecks of black. In fact, the feathers are brown with black tips. This species has a white head with a black face. It also has a black bib. These birds look a bit like plovers.

Where seem
Along the shorelines of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Singles are occasionally seen on the shoreline of Bird and Lofton Islands on the Caloosahatchee River.

Jimmy’s notes
Quite a distinctive looking bird.  In winter the bird appears mostly brown and white losing its black head and most of its black bib. The bill is black which is very slightly upturned. Their name comes from their habit of turning up small stones in search of mollusks and other aquatic animals.