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. Its nonbreeding plumage is very pale above and white below, while the legs and bill are a contrasting black. There is a distinct black shoulder and leading edge of the wing. Females in breeding plumage are speckled brown above, while males develop rufous tones 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.