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Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Least Sandpiper Photo

© L. Page Brown / CLO

A common small shorebird, the Least Sandpiper can be found in migration all across North America. It can be readily identified by its small size and yellow legs.

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Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Small sandpiper. Short neck. Moderately long bill, may droop slightly at tip. Moderately long legs. Black center of rump and tail. Legs yellowish. Back reddish with black spots. Two thin white lines down back. Chest usually only well marked with rather distinct chest band.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but with more scaly pattern on back.

Range Map Help

Least Sandpiper Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult breeding
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    Adult breeding
    • © L. Page Brown / CLO
  • Adult nonbreeding
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    Adult nonbreeding
    • © L.B.Wales / CLO
  • Juvenile
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    Juvenile
    • © Lang Elliott / CLO
  • Juvenile
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    Juvenile
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Jamaica Bay, New York, August 2000
  • Adult breeding
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    Adult breeding
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Long Island, New York, May 2000
  • Adult breeding
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    Adult breeding
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Long Island, New York, September 2000

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