Sanderling

Sanderling, adult, almost breeding plumage

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Sanderling, adult, non-breeding plumage

Sanderling, juvenile

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

The Sanderling is most commonly seen in flocks chasing receding waves on ocean beaches, and running away from them when they return. It breeds in the high Arctic and winters along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from Canada to Argentina.

Description

• Small pale sandpiper.
• Broad white wingstripe bordered in black, visible in flight.

• Size: 18-20 cm (7-8 in)
• Wingspan: 35 cm (14 in)
• Weight: 40-100 g (1.41-3.53 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes look similar, with male averaging brighter.

Sound

Call a soft "wick wick." Twittering in flocks. On breeding grounds male gives frog-like calls in flight.

Conservation Status

Global population trend unknown, American populations may be declining.

Other Names

Bécasseau sanderling (French)
Playero blanco (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• The Sanderling is one of the most widespread wintering shorebirds in the world. It is found on nearly all temperate and tropical sandy beaches throughout the world. Among shorebirds, only the Ruddy Turnstone and the Whimbrel rival its worldwide distribution.

• The mating system of the Sanderling appears to vary among areas, and possibly also among years. It is predominantly monogamous, but occasionally the female lays eggs for several different males in quick succession.

• It is common for nonbreeding individuals of Arctic-breeding shorebirds to remain on the wintering grounds through the summer. Why make that long trip if you're not going to breed anyway? Many Sanderlings remain in South America without breeding, but only small numbers remain along the North American coasts.

Sources used to construct this page:

MacWhirter, B., P. Austin-Smith, Jr., and D. Kroodsma. 2002. Sanderling (Calidris alba). In The Birds of North America, No. 653 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.