Winter-plumage ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres, sometimes known as the seaweed bird, photographed at Smith Point, Chambers County, Texas, United States. (The bird in the background is a willet, Catoptrophorus semipalmatus, formerly; Tringa semipalmatus.)
Image: Joseph Kennedy, 14 November 2010 [velociraptorize].
Nikon D200, Kowa 883 telescope with TSN-PZ camera eyepiece 1/200s f/8.0 at 1000.0mm iso400
Question: This cute little mystery bird's name comes from one of its typical behaviours. What behaviour is that?
Response: This is a ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres, which is named in honour of its habit of turning over objects such as stones, shells and seaweed to uncover prey hidden beneath. It also is sometimes known as the seaweed bird because it often feeds among the kelp at low tide.
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