General

Sanderling: Medium-sized sandpiper with dark-spotted, rufous upperparts and breast and white underparts. Wings have conspicuous white stripes visible in flight. Bill, legs, and feet are black. Sexes are similar. Winter adult has pale gray upperparts and head, and white underparts. Juvenile has dark gray- and-white mottled upperparts.

Range and Habitat

Sanderling: Breeds in high Arctic tundra from Alaska eastward to Baffin Island. Spends winters along coasts from British Columbia and Massachusetts southward to southern South America. Preferred habitats include ocean beaches, sandbars, mudflats, and lake and river shorelines.

Breeding and Nesting

Sanderling: Three to four black and brown-spotted, olive green or brown eggs are laid in a ground hollow lined with grass and lichens. Incubation ranges from 24 to 31 days and is carried out by the male.

Foraging and Feeding

Sanderling: In spring, diet includes insects, spiders, and vegetation; probes for marine invertebrates within ½ inch of mud surface.

Vocalization

Sanderling: Call is a sharp "kip"; emits conversational chatter while feeding.

Similar Species

Sanderling: Red Knot and rare Curlew Sandpiper are larger and have more rufous on breasts. Winter Sanderling has more distinct wing stripe.