Sanderling
Calidris alba · Sandpipers and Allies
The Sanderling is a small, active shorebird often seen scurrying along sandy beaches. Known for its pale plumage, it blends well with its coastal surroundings. This species undertakes extensive migrations, breeding in the Arctic and wintering across temperate and tropical coastlines worldwide.
Explore the full field guideMigratory, small, chattering,
1 call·first heard Jul 6·last 97d ago
When it's heardpeak 9a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Very pale, with white underparts and a pale gray back. A dark smudge is often visible at the bend of the wing.
- Head and foreparts become a rich reddish-brown, with mottled reddish to sandy brown on the back.
- Similar to nonbreeding adults but with a distinctive mottled black and white pattern on the back.
- A prominent broad white wing stripe, bordered by black, is visible.