Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

The wedge-shaped bill is used to lift up shoreline pebbles and debris where they forage on hidden invertebrates. This individual is in breeding (alternate) plumage. The back pattern lacking dark shaft streaks on the upper scapulars and the white nape suggest this is a male. Two races are recognized. North American birds migrating through Texas are "A. i. morinella" distinguished in male breeding plumage by brighter red back, less marked head and slightly smaller size cf. the nominate race which replaces it in the Palearctic, Baffin Island and parts of Alaska.