Latin name - Arenaria interpres

The Turnstone can be seen all around our coasts although it shows a preference for rocky areas where it will search under stones for insects, small crustaceans and molluscs: hence its name of Turnstone. They are not resident, wintering here before returning in summer to their breeding grounds in Greenland and Scandinavia. Some immature birds will spend the summer here. Both sexes are the same with a mottled chestnut and black upper-parts, white under-parts, orange legs and a black and white head. They can be very difficult to see amongst a rocky shore blending in well with the surroundings. In summer plumage the head becomes black and white, rich red-brown and black colours appear in the mantle.