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Turnstones

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Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Arenaria interpres

Size:  Approx 24cm long

Distribution:  Found all round the UK coast

Months seen:  All year round but more often July to May

Life Span: Average 9 years (source BTO)

Habitat:  Coastal areas

Food:  Invertebrates, molluscs and crustaceans

Special features:  In summer Turnstones have a mottled, chestnut and black plumage on their back and white underparts.  In winter the plumage is more grey-brown on the back.  The head is black and white with a dark grey beak and the legs are orange.

The name comes from the way Turnstones walk along the shoreline flipping stones and shells over to look for food items.


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