Spotting Sandpipers: Your Up-Close Guide

The enchanting and swift ‘show me a sandpiper’ might seem like a whimsical request, but to birders and nature enthusiasts, it's a call to witness one of the most agile and captivating species in the bird kingdom. Sandpipers, with their plover-like beaks and sleek turnover of feet, are veritable performers on our shores and beaches.

These birds, part of the family Scolopacidae, are found worldwide, and each species has its unique charm, from the elegant curlew to the dainty woodcock. But let's explore the common sandpiper and theWilson's sandpiper, two of the most widespread and adaptable species, often seen in our coastal areas and inland waters.

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

The common sandpiper is indeed common, with a global population estimated between 1.5 and 2.9 million individuals. Its plumage, a blend of black and white bands on the wings and tail, and a gray-brown body, might initially strike you as unremarkable. But watch this bird in action, and you'll be enthralled by its grace and agility.

Common sandpipers are found near water bodies, from the lowest elevations to high mountains. They nest in the Northern Hemisphere and migrate south for the winter, covering thousands of miles with their slender forms.

Feeding Behavior

Just as the name suggests, sandpipers probe the ground or shallow water for insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. Their long bills are excellent tools for this task. The common sandpiper feeds by running across sand or mud, then stopping and tilting its body to inspect tiny preys, which it then snaps up.

Groups of common sandpipers often perform a remarkable feeding tactic called "swarming." They form a tight circle and run after prey, encircling and trapping it, making this species an object of joy and fascination for birdwatchers.

Behavior and Nests

On the ground, common sandpipers are highly terrestrial, hopping rather than walking, and displaying a curious side-to-side twisting of their bodies. In flight, they have a distinctive, swift, and direct flight pattern.

Nesting is typically on the ground, in concealed locations near water. The female lays four to five eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Interestingly, common sandpipers exhibit remarkable parental care, with the chicks following their parents and learning to forage within hours of hatching.

Wilson's Sandpiper (Calidris piersuni)

Similar in size to the common sandpiper, Wilson's sandpiper stands out with its rufous color during the breeding season and its distinct white eyestripe. This species is found across North America, migrating in large flocks along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Great Lakes coasts.

Their global population is estimated around 350,000 individuals, with significant breeding grounds in Alaska and Western Canada.

Migratory Patterns

Few birds can rival the migratory feats of Wilson's sandpiper. These birds breed in the Arctic tundra, raise their chicks, and then embark on a rapid, non-stop journey to their wintering grounds along the South American coast. They then return to the Arctic the following summer. This round-trip migration exceeds 16,000 miles!

Scientists use data loggers to track these incredible journeys, revealing how these sandpipers navigate using a complex interplay of landmarks, smells,agnetic fields, and even the positions of stars.

Diet and Conservation Status

Wilson's sandpipers primarily feed on invertebrates, worms, and insects in their aquatic or intertidal habitats. They probe the mud or sand with their bills, often in loose groups, but also solitarily. Like other sandpipers, they need undisturbed stopover sites during migration and suitable habitats for breeding and wintering.

The IUCN lists Wilson's sandpiper as Least Concern, but certain populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and reduced food availability. Conservation efforts revolve aroundprotecting these birds' habitats, both on their breeding and wintering grounds.

From the common sandpiper's "swarm" feeding technique to Wilson's sandpiper's prodigious migrations, each species offers a unique window into nature's wonder. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious admirer, take the chance to 'show me a sandpiper' today and become enchanted by these agile and captivating shorebirds.