Sanderling

Types of Shorebirds American Avocet Black-necked Stilt Black Oyster Catcher Black Turnstone Dunlin Greater Yellowlegs Killdeer Long-billed Curlew Long-billed Dowitcher Least Sandpiper Lesser Yellowlegs Marbled Godwit Pectoral Sandpiper Red-necked Phalarope

Most people are familiar with the Sanderling (Calidris alba) as the shorebird that runs up and down the beach with the tide looking for food.

Like other smaller sandpipers, they breed in northern freshwater locations as far north as the Arctic circle. Unlike other sandpipers, they chart an expanded southern migrate route, along coastal beach areas world wide.

They are a medium sized bird with black legs and a white underside. The top feathers range from chestnut to gray, depending on the season. The Sanderling in the picture is in non-breeding plumage. You often see them in groups.

© 2006 Patricia A. Michaels