Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 7.9–8.7 in
20–22 cm - Wingspan
- 16.5–18.1 in
42–46 cm - Weight
- 1.8–3.7 oz
50–105 g
Other Names
- Becasseau violet (French)
- Carellimos oscuro (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Purple Sandpiper has the northernmost winter range of any shorebird.
- At Svalbard, an archipelago north of Scandinavia, the male Purple Sandpiper was found to be primarily responsible for parental care of hatchlings. In other shorebird species, parental care mostly by males is often associated with polyandry (one female with several mates), but the Purple Sandpiper is evidently monogamous (one mate only), with a long-term pair bond.
- Purple Sandpipers breeding in high-arctic Canada may migrate through Greenland and Iceland and winter in Europe.
Habitat
Shore-line
Breeds along low tundra near shorelines, as well as gravel beaches along rivers. Winters along rocky coastlines and man-made jetties.
Food
Insects
During breeding, mostly insects and spiders, plus seeds and berries. In winter, mostly gastropods, insects, and crustaceans.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 3–4 eggs
- Egg Description
- Beige to olive, with variable spotting.
- Condition at Hatching
- Completely covered with dense white down. Capable of walking and pecking at ground within a few hours of hatching.
Nest Description
Depression in the ground, lined with leaves and down.
Nest Placement
Ground
Behavior
Probing
Purple Sandpipers of both sexes raise one wing straight up in response to perceived threats. In its distraction display, commonly called the "Rodent Run" display, the Purple Sandpiper tries to draw predators away from nests by running, conspicuously fluffing feathers, and making mouse-like squeals.Feeds on rocky intertidal areas and break-waters, running among seaweed and rocks and picking prey. Found on rocks in splashing surf. Less commonly feeds along beaches or muddy pools. Also feeds by picking in tundra soils.
Conservation
Least Concern
Recent analysis of count data in Canada show a statistically significant decline in numbers. In the United States, identifying and protecting winter habitat is a management priority.
Credits
- Payne, L. X., and E. P. Pierce. 2002. Purple Sandpiper (Calidris maritima). In The Birds of North America, No. 706 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.