Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Ruddy Turnstone

Scientific name: Tringa erythropus


Ruddy Turnstone

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: SCOLOPACIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 30 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04-30.04

Gestation: 22 à 24 jours

Births: 23.05-24.06


Habitat:
Shorelines and coastal wetlands

Description:
The Redshank is a medium-sized wader with distinctive plumage that changes with the seasons. During the breeding season, the male displays vibrant colors, with a black head and reddish chest, while the female has more subdued tones. Outside the breeding season, both sexes adopt a more muted plumage, often gray-brown with shades of white and black. The Redshank is primarily found in wetlands, estuaries, and lakeshores, where it feeds on small invertebrates, aquatic insects, and occasionally worms and crustaceans. This migratory bird is known for its long-distance migration, between its breeding grounds in northern Eurasia and its wintering areas in southern Asia and North Africa. While its population remains generally stable, the Redshank is vulnerable to threats such as habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting. The species is protected in some areas where it is found.

Recommended lens:
>=300 mm

Photography tips:
Use a telephoto lens to capture images from a distance, respecting the discreet nature of the species. Photograph early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sandpiper is more active. Look for it in wetland areas: marshes, estuaries, and mudflats are its preferred habitats. Be patient and discreet to avoid disturbing its natural behavior. The species is classified as of Least Concern. Respect its natural habitat and minimize human disturbances.

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