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Sanderling

Calidris alba ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Sanderling Photo

© J.R.Woodward/CLO

The Sanderling is most commonly seen in flocks chasing receding waves on ocean beaches, and running away from them when they return. It breeds in the high Arctic and winters along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from Canada to Argentina.

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Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small pale sandpiper.
  • Broad white wingstripe bordered in black, visible in flight.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to nonbreeding adult, but mottled black and white on back. Usually with buffy patch on sides of breast, streaked with fine black markings.

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Sanderling Range Map
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Similar Species

  • Similar to other small sandpipers, but paleness of nonbreeding plumage, white face, black bill and legs, bold wingstripe, and preference for sandy habitats distinguish it.
  • Rare Red-necked Stint similar to Sanderling in breeding plumage, but has unmarked reddish on face and chest, and dark markings on white lower chest.