sand piper
1. Bird Name
The bird we are profiling is commonly known as the Sandpiper. Its scientific (Latin) name is Calidris alba.
2. Appearance
A Sandpiper has a trim and elongated body, with notably long legs and a slender, pointed beak that’s perfect for prying food from sand. Its plumage consists of a mix of colors, with the upper parts in brown, gray, and white and the underparts predominantly white. A striking feature of the Sandpiper is the subtle patterns of the upper feathers that can range from intricate spots, streaks, and bars. While color shades can slightly differ between the sexes, both males and females generally maintain the same combination of features.
3. Size
On average, the Sandpiper measures around 18-22 cm in length. Their wingspan typically extends up to around 35-40 cm. Their weight usually fluctuates between 40-65 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Sandpipers are widespread and can be seen across all continents. They primarily prefer coastal regions, wetlands, and are especially fond of muddy and sandy shores of lakes, rivers, and oceans. In regards to their distribution, many species migrate extensively along well-defined flyways.
5. Interesting Facts
An interesting fact about the Sandpipers is their intricate migratory pattern. Some species, like the Western Sandpiper, travel as much as 14,000 kilometers from breeding areas in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic to wintering spots in Central and South America. This species is also known to feed in groups, often creating a beautiful spectacle known as a “feeding frenzy”. Furthermore, Sandpipers exhibit a behavior called ‘foot-trembling’, where they rapidly vibrate one foot in sand or water to scare up hidden prey.
6. Diet
The diet of the Sandpiper predominantly includes insects, small invertebrates, crustaceans, and worms which they dig out from wet sand or mud using their long beaks.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Their fly pattern is quite unique as they usually fly in tight formations, giving an enchanting display of synchronization. A highly social bird, Sandpipers also often gather in large flocks. The call of the Sandpiper is quite characteristic – a high-pitched ‘peep’ or ‘kreep’.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, different species of Sandpipers have a varied range of conservation statuses. Some species, like the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, are critically endangered, while others including the Sanderling and Common Sandpiper are listed as of least concern.
9. Lifespan
The lifespan of Sandpipers ranges between 3-12 years in the wild. However, longevity records in captivity are not widely available due to their infrequent status as pets.
10. Additional Notes
In many cultures, the arrival of Sandpipers signals the change of season. The Maori of New Zealand refer to Sandpipers as ‘kuaka’, considering their arrival significant for planting crops. Sandpipers also play an essential role in their ecosystems, controlling insect populations and acting as an indicator of overall wetland health.
Their interactions with humans are mostly positive, with bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts finding great joy in observing their unique traits and behaviors. However, human-induced habitat loss presents a significant threat to some species.
