sanderling
1. Bird Name
The bird of focus in this article is the Sanderling, known scientifically as Calidris alba.
2. Appearance
The Sanderling is a relatively small and sleek bird with a short, straight black beak. It has a plump body shape with a distinctive white underside and a grayish-brown upper body. During the breeding season, they have a reddish-brown “cap” on their heads. One of the more interesting characteristics of Sanderlings is the absence of a hind toe, which gives them a distinctive running behavior. Both males and females have similar appearances.
3. Size
The Sanderling is a small bird, with an average body length of 18-20 cm (7-8 inches). Their wingspan stretches around 36-43 cm (14-17 inches), and they tend to weigh between 40-100 grams (1.4-3.5 ounces).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Sanderlings inhabit coastal and beach areas and are most commonly seen foraging along the shorelines of both tropical and polar waters. They are a nearly cosmopolitan species found year-round on every continent except Antarctica. During their breeding season, which is in the summer, Sanderlings retreat to the high Arctic, including parts of Greenland, Canada, and Siberia.
5. Interesting Facts
One peculiar behavior of Sanderlings is the manner in which they forage for food. They follow retreating waves on the beach to hunt for small crustaceans brought by the wave. Then as the next wave approaches, they run back to avoid it. They are also one of the most widespread wintering waders worldwide. Interestingly, their scientific name, Calidris alba, means “white waterbird”.
6. Diet
The diet of a Sanderling is predominantly made up of small invertebrates, including crustaceans, small mollusks, and worms, picked up from the sand or water surface. When in their breeding habitats, they diet on insects and insect larvae.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Sanderlings are seen running rapidly and tirelessly along sandy beaches, displaying a quirky “clockwork” manner of running. They usually emit a soft “kleep kleep” sound while feeding or flying. Their flight consists of a rapid, direct flight with swift wing beats.
8. Conservation Status
The Sanderling is currently listed as “least concern” on the IUCN Red List due to its large geographical range and population size.
9. Lifespan
The lifespan of a Sanderling can reach up to 13 years in the wild. Captivity data is not widely available due to the migratory nature of this species; they are not commonly kept in captivity.
10. Additional Notes
Additionally, some other notable points about Sanderlings include their significant cultural importance among bird watchers, as they regularly participate in the annual global birding event known as “The Big Year.” Observing these birds during migratory periods provides unique opportunities to learn and appreciate intercontinental strategies of foraging and survival. Furthermore, Sanderlings are crucial parts of coastal ecosystems, cleaning beaches of potentially harmful organic material and providing a food source for higher order predators.
