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Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Tryngites subruficollis ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Near Threatened

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Buff-breasted Sandpiper Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A delicate dove-headed shorebird, the Buff-breasted Sandpiper is found primarily in migration in areas of short grass. It migrates primarily through the middle of the continent from its arctic breeding grounds to southern South America.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds

Adult Description

Medium-sized shorebird. Buffy all over. Short, pointed, black bill. Rounded head. Long yellow legs. Underside of wings white. Small black spots on crown and back.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but has more scaly back.

Range Map Help

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Baird's Sandpiper is buffy only across the breast, has white throat and belly, and dark legs.
  • Rare juvenile Ruff similar, but larger, has white wingbar, and white sides to rump.
  • Upland Sandpiper is larger, has whitish belly, and barring on sides.
  • American Golden-Plover has shorter, thicker bill, and darker legs.