General

Upland Sandpiper: Large sandpiper with dark-spotted, brown upperparts and black rump. Chin, neck, and throat are white, breast and sides are streaked with dark chevrons, and belly is white. Head has a dark cap and white eye-rings. Bill is short, thin, olive-brown, and slightly decurved at tip. Head is relatively small, while neck and legs are relatively long. Tail is wedge-shaped with dark center and barred edges visible in flight. Sexes are similar. Juvenile has very pale head.

Range and Habitat

Upland Sandpiper: Breeds from central Maine west through Canada to Alaska; southeast to northern Oklahoma, and east to New England. During migration, occurs throughout the southern states. Spends winters in South America from southern Brazil to south-central Argentina. Preferred habitats include large fallow fields, pastures, and grassy areas.

Breeding and Nesting

Upland Sandpiper: Four pale buff to pink buff eggs, speckled with red brown, are laid in a ground depression lined with dry grass. Incubation ranges from 21 to 27 days and is carried out by both parents. Young fly at about 30 to 31 days.

Foraging and Feeding

Upland Sandpiper: Feeds on insects, centipedes, millipedes, spiders, earthworms, and snails; occasionally eats waste grains and other seeds.

Vocalization

Upland Sandpiper: Call is a crisp, rolling "pulip pulip", audible for long distances. Call is a very distinct wolf whistle.

Similar Species

Upland Sandpiper: Buff-breasted Sandpiper is much smaller, has black bill, short yellow legs, plain buff face and underparts, shorter tail, and silver wing linings.