Sandpipers, Phalaropes

Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularius

Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Phalaropes)

Size: 7.5"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Streamsides, edges of lakes and ponds, coastal areas

The spotted sandpiper is known for its exaggerated, constant bobbing motion. It has a compact body, long tail, and short neck, wings, and legs. Its plumage is brown above and light below with a white shoulder patch. There is a white eye ring and superciliary stripe above the dark eye line. In breeding plumage it develops heavy spotting from the chin to lower flanks and barring on the back. The bill is orange with a dark tip. In flight the upper wings show a thin white stripe. To forage, it teeters about, picking small water prey and insects from the shoreline. The breeding adult is illustrated.