Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 7.1–7.9 in
18–20 cm - Wingspan
- 13.8 in
35 cm - Weight
- 1.4–3.5 oz
40–100 g
Other Names
- Bécasseau sanderling (French)
- Playero blanco (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Sanderling is one of the most widespread wintering shorebirds in the world. It is found on nearly all temperate and tropical sandy beaches throughout the world. Among shorebirds, only the Ruddy Turnstone and the Whimbrel rival its worldwide distribution.
- The mating system of the Sanderling appears to vary among areas, and possibly also among years. It is predominantly monogamous, but occasionally the female lays eggs for several different males in quick succession.
- It is common for nonbreeding individuals of Arctic-breeding shorebirds to remain on the wintering grounds through the summer. Why make that long trip if you're not going to breed anyway? Many Sanderlings remain in South America without breeding, but only small numbers remain along the North American coasts.
Habitat
Shore-line
- Nests on islands and coastal tundra of high Arctic.
- On migration and in winter prefers sandy beaches.
Food
Insects
Aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 3–4 eggs
- Egg Description
- Dull greenish with small irregular brown spots around large end. Pointed on one end.
- Condition at Hatching
- Downy young leave nest day after hatching.
Nest Description
Shallow scrape in tundra. Lined sparsely with leaves and lichens.
Nest Placement
Ground
Behavior
Probing
Pecks and probes in sand for food. Runs along tide line. Runs up beach ahead of incoming wave, then turns around and runs after receding wave to pick up stranded invertebrates and probe in wet sand.
Conservation
Least Concern
Global population trend unknown. American populations may be declining.
Credits
- MacWhirter, B., P. Austin-Smith, Jr., and D. Kroodsma. 2002. Sanderling (Calidris alba). In The Birds of North America, No. 653 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.