Sandpipers, Phalaropes

Western Sandpiper, Calidris mauri

Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers, Phalaropes)

Size: 6.5"

Season: Spring and fall migrant

Habitat: Saltwater and freshwater wetlands, mudflats, coastal beaches

The western sandpiper is another one of the “peeps,” or very small sandpipers, and nearly identical to the semipalmated sandpiper. It has a relatively long black bill that droops slightly and black legs. In winter it is pale gray brown above and white below. In breeding plumage the scapulars and face are rufous, and the breast and back show much-darker streaking. A thin white stripe on the upper wing is visible in flight, along with a white rump with a dark central stripe. Western sandpipers feed in shallow water or at the tide line, probing for invertebrates and insects. They often form rather large flocks. The nonbreeding adult (top) and breeding adult (bottom) are illustrated.