SANDPIPERS, PHALAROPES

Sanderling, Calidris alba

Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Phalaropes)

Size: 8"

Season: Winter

Habitat: Coastal beaches, mudflats

The Sanderling is a common shorebird that runs back and forth following the incoming and outgoing surf, grabbing small invertebrates exposed by the waves. It is a small, active, squat sandpiper with a short bill and legs. In nonbreeding plumage, it is very pale above and white below, contrasting with the black legs and bill. There is a distinct black shoulder and leading edge of the wing. Females in breeding plumage are speckled brown above, while males develop rufous on the back, head, and neck. In flight, a white stripe on the upper wing is visible. Sanderlings may form large foraging flocks and even larger flocks while roosting. The nonbreeding adult is illustrated.