Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The Common Sandpiper is a small shorebird that breeds across Europe and Asia and is a rare visitor to the United States. It bobs its tail, flies low over water, and has a white wedge at the shoulder. In winter, the Common Sandpiper looks much like the native Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius).

Appearance

Appearance: Adults are 7.1–7.9 in (18–20 cm) long, with gray-brown upperparts, white underparts, short yellowish legs, and a pale-based bill with a dark tip.

Look-alikes

Spotted SandpiperActitis macularius

A breeding Spotted Sandpiper has dark spots across its white belly. In winter the two look very similar; Common Sandpiper tends to look richer brown with a longer tail, so a clear photo and the location help.

Why they get mixed upThey are closely related species with nearly the same shape and tail-bobbing walk.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: rocky riverbanks
lake shores
muddy or tidal edges
Range: It breeds across Europe and Asia and winters in Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. In the United States it is rare, with most records in western Alaska and breeding documented in the western Aleutian Islands.
Seasonal presence: It is a long-distance migrant across its normal range and a rare visitor in the United States.

Behavior

Diet: It picks insects, , and other small from the ground or shallow water and can catch insects in the air.
Activity: It usually travels alone or in small groups, bobs its rear end, and flies low over water on stiff, shallow wingbeats.

Life cycle

Nest: In its Eurasian breeding range, it makes a ground nest close to fresh water.
Clutch size: Usually 3–5 eggs
Incubation: About 21–23 days

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

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