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Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Solitary Sandpiper is commonly seen in migration along the banks of ponds and creeks. While not truly solitary, it does not migrate in large flocks the way other shorebirds do.

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Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Medium-sized shorebird. Legs moderately long. Neck moderately long. Bill medium-sized. Back dark olive with scattered small white spots. Bold white eyering. Tail distinctly barred. Rump and center tail feathers dark. Frequently bobs its head.

Immature Description

Similar to adult.

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Solitary Sandpiper Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

Similar Species

  • Spotted Sandpiper constantly bobs its tail and occurs in same habitat, but is slightly smaller, has a white eyestripe, a less prominent white eyering, lacks white spotting on the back, and has a wingstripe in flight.
  • Lesser Yellowlegs has long, bright yellow legs, a white rump, and a mostly white tail.