Turnstone Vs Ringed Plover: Key Differences Explained
Both of these birds are small, stocky wading birds found in coastal areas of the UK. If seen from a distance, these 2 birds can be difficult to tell apart. However, there are enough differences to help in distinguishing these fascinating birds.
Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Turnstones are more stocky than the slimmer, sleaker ringed plover
- Ringed plovers can often be identified by their distinctive black ring around their necks
- Turnstones have short, slightly upturned black bills
- Ringed plovers have short straight orange bills with black tips
- Turnstones are typically found on rocky or pebbly beaches
What Is The Difference Between A Turnstone And A Ringed Plover?
Turnstones and ringed plovers are both shorebirds and are of a similar size. But there are certain characteristics that can help differentiate between these 2 species. These differences include;
Visual Differences
Turnstones are generally stocky and have short legs. They have a distinct patternation which is a mixture of black, white and reddish-brown which is especially prevalent during the breeding season.
Outside of the breeding season, they become duller but still maintain that same calico patternation. Turnstones have a short, slightly upturned black bill which is perfectly adapted for flipping stones over to reveal sources of food. They also have bright orange legs and feet.
Ringed plovers are smaller and more slender compared to turnstones. Ringed plovers have a more uniformed, subtle plumage with a distinctive black neck ring (from which they get their name), a white forehead and brownish-grey upperparts.
The ringed plover’s bill is short and straight and orange with a dark or black tip. They also have orange legs and feet.
Differences In Habitat
Turnstones are a common sight around UK coastlines. They are passage birds which mean they can be seen on UK shores at many times of the year but usually in Spring and Summer. They prefer marine and intertidal zones as well as wetlands.
Turnstones are common on rocky and stony coasts unlike other waders which typically prefer softer muddy or sandy ground.
Ringed plovers are a fairly common sight in marine, intertidal, wetland and grassland environments. Many ringed plovers from mainland Europe add to the resident population during various times of the year.
They can be spotted on sandy and pebbly beaches, mud flats, gravel pits, inland water bodies and former industrial sites.
Nests & Eggs
Turnstones do not normally breed in the UK but it is possible that a few might breed in late summer in isolated cases. They form simple scrape nests on the ground often amongst rocks or vegetation. Both the male and the female explore potential nesting sites within the male’s territory. They make a series of scrape nests with the female selecting her favoured nest.
The female will lay a clutch of 2 to 5 smooth, glossy eggs which are a pale green-brown colour with dark brown spots and around 41 x 29 mm in size. The female typically incubates the eggs which hatch after around 22 to 24 days.
The chicks are precocial and typically fledge the nest around 19 to 21 days after hatching.
Ringed plovers also form simple scrape nests on the ground but are often found on open sandy or pebbly ground. The female will lay around 4 off-white eggs which have dark speckles. The eggs which are around 35 x 26 mm in size, are always positioned with the pointy end facing the centre of the nest.
Both parents share the incubation duties which last for around 24 days before the chicks hatch. The chicks are precocial and typically fledge the nest around 25 days after hatching.
Bird Calls
The call of the turnstone is a distinctive rattling call which is most often heard during the breeding season. They also have a chattering alarm call which is part of their unique identity.
The call of the ringed plover is also distinctive and sounds like a clear sharp “peep” which can often be heard during their energetic flights. They are also far more vocal during the breeding season.
Size & Weight
Turnstones are the larger of the 2 species and have a length of around 21 to 24 cm and a wingspan of around 50 to 57 cm. An average adult turnstone will weigh somewhere between 85 to 150 grams.
Ringed plovers are shorter and slimmer than turnstones with an average adult ringed plover weighing around 55 to 75 grams. They are around 18 to 20 cm in length with a wingspan of around 48 to 57 cm.
However, these size differences are typically not enough to distinguish between these 2 species with any degree of accuracy, especially from a distance.
SEE ALSO: Skylark Vs Woodlark: Key Differences Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
You can identify a turnstone by their mottled appearance with brown or chestnut and black upperparts and a brown and white or black and white head, white underparts, short black slightly upturned bill and orange legs.
You can identify a ringed plover by its brownish-grey upperparts and white underparts and the distinctive black ring around its neck. It also has a short, straight orange bill with a black tip.
Yes, a ruddy turnstone is the same as a turnstone. They are so called because of their reddish-brown feathers.
