Turnstone Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)
You can often see the Turnstone fluttering around large stones on rocky shores, flipping them over to find prey. This bird is capable of lifting objects as large as itself.
Though it is a migrant to the UK, it is visible all year as different groups arrive during different seasons.
Table of Contents
How Long Does A Turnstone Live?
Turnstones, a species of shorebirds, typically live for about six to nine years. Yet, some individuals have been noted to live up to 19 years, particularly in Finland.
These longevity facts show the resilience of the species, though their lifespan can change based on environmental factors and threats like habitat loss and changes in food supply.
How Fast Can A Turnstone Fly?
Known for their impressive flight abilities, Turnstones can fly at speeds ranging from 27 to 47 miles per hour. These speeds are essential for their lengthy migrations between breeding sites and winter habitats across multiple continents.
Are Turnstones Aggressive?
During the breeding season, Turnstones tend to show aggression, particularly in protecting their territory and mates. They have been known to fly more than 100 yards from their nests to pursue predators like jaegers and gulls.
This is a common behaviour among many birds, as they become more territorial around their nesting areas. The aggression is mostly seen in males, who may chase away other males or potential threats. When not in the breeding season, Turnstones are generally sociable and often seen foraging in groups.
What Is A Turnstone’s Habitat?
The Turnstone, a bird that migrates extensively, uses different habitats throughout the year. In the breeding season, they are seen in the Arctic tundra, where they nest on the open ground, usually near water. The tundra’s bare landscape with little vegetation suits their nesting habits well.
When the breeding season ends, Turnstones move to coastal areas and utilise shorelines like mudflats, rocky coasts, and sandy beaches. These places are rich in food, which they find by turning over stones and other debris. They also use inland habitats such as freshwater shores and estuaries during migration.
How Long Does It Take For A Turnstone To Build A Nest?
The female Turnstone mainly takes charge of building the nest. From choosing an area to finishing the nest, it can be done within a few hours to a day, depending on how easily materials can be found and if the site is suitable.
Usually, the nest is a simple scrape on the ground, lined with bits of vegetation and other nearby natural items. These nests are cleverly hidden among coastal plants or rocks to protect against predators.
Eggs
Now let’s take a look at Turnstone eggs, including when they are laid, how many are laid, their appearance, and how long they take to hatch.
When Do Turnstones Lay Eggs?
Turnstones generally lay their eggs from late May to early June, often as solitary, monogamous pairs. This happens soon after they arrive at their northern breeding grounds in the Arctic. The timing of this nesting period coincides with the Arctic summer, providing a brief warm season for the chicks to grow.
How Many Eggs Does A Turnstone Lay?
Typically, Turnstones lay a clutch of two to five eggs, with four being the usual number. The eggs are approximately 41 mm long by 29 mm wide (1.6 in × 1.1 in) and weigh around 17.9 grams (0.63 oz).
What Do Turnstone Eggs Look Like?
The eggs of turnstones are smooth, a bit glossy, and shaped from oval to pear-like. Their colours differ, yet they are usually pale green-brown with dark brown spots, more concentrated at the larger end. This design helps to blend the eggs into their natural nesting areas in the Arctic tundra and other secluded regions.
How Long Do Turnstone Eggs Take To Hatch?
The incubation period for Turnstone eggs is usually about 22 to 24 days. It’s mainly the female who incubates the eggs, although the male might assist more as the hatching time gets closer.
Chicks
Let’s look at how many chicks Turnstones have, when they open their eyes, and when they are ready to fly.
How Many Chicks Does A Turnstone Have?
The number of Turnstone chicks depends on the hatch rate of the eggs. A female Turnstone generally lays between 2 to 5 eggs per clutch, with 4 being typical.
If all eggs hatch, the number of chicks will match the egg count. However, due to some eggs failing to hatch, the chick number can range from none to the total eggs laid.
When Do Turnstone Chicks Open Their Eyes?
Upon hatching, Turnstone chicks are covered in down and typically assumed to open their eyes right away or shortly thereafter. This characteristic is common among many precocial bird species, which are relatively mature and mobile soon after hatching.
When Do Turnstone Chicks Fledge?
Turnstone chicks take their first flight at about 19 to 21 days old. This fast growth to fledging is common for this species, showing their need to grow up quickly in the tough Arctic breeding grounds. The male usually looks after the chicks until they can fly, as the female often departs before this point.
SEE ALSO: Turnstone Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of a Turnstone typically ranges from six to nine years, though some individuals have been known to live up to 19 years.
Turnstone eggs are usually pale green-brown with dark brown spots, often more concentrated at the larger end.
No, Turnstones do not have red legs; their legs are usually orange or reddish-orange.
Turnstones are relatively small birds, measuring about 21 to 26 cm (8.3 to 10.2 inches) in length with a wingspan of 50 to 57 cm (19.7 to 22.4 inches).
