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Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularia ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Spotted Sandpiper Photo

© Marie Read

The most widespread breeding sandpiper in North America, the Spotted Sandpiper breeds along the edges of nearly any water source throughout the northern half of the continent. It is at home around urban ponds as well as tundra pools.

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Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized shorebird.
  • Legs moderately long.
  • Neck moderately long.
  • Bill medium-sized.
  • Back brown.
  • Underparts white with distinct round spots.
  • Constantly bobs its tail and rear end up and down as it walks.

Immature Description

Juvenile resembles winter adult, but has scalloping of dark edges to back feathers, especially on the wings.

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Similar Species

  • Solitary Sandpiper occasionally bobs its tail, but is slightly larger, lacks the white eyestripe, has a more prominent white eyering, has white spotting on the back, and has no wingstripe in flight.
  • Wandering Tattler teeters too, but is much larger and is plain gray overall or with heavy barring on underparts, and no white in wings.