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Wandering Tattler

Heteroscelus incanus ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A characteristic bird of the rocky Pacific Coast, the Wandering Tattler can be seen bobbing and teetering among the rocks and waves during winter and migration. Some individuals spend the summer along the southern part of the range rather than go with the rest of the birds to their breeding grounds in the mountains of Alaska and northwestern Canada.

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At a GlanceHelp

Measurements
Both Sexes
Length
10.2–11.8 in
26–30 cm
Wingspan
19.7–21.7 in
50–55 cm
Weight
2.1–6 oz
60–169 g
Other Names
  • Chevalier errant (French)
  • Playero vagabundo (Spanish)

Cool Facts

  • The name "wandering" refers to its widespread occurrence over vast portions of ocean. "Tattler" refers to its voice; its alarm notes alert other birds to a hunter's presence.

Habitat


Shore-line
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Food


Insects
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Nesting

Nest Placement

Ground
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Behavior


Probing
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Conservation

status via IUCN

Least Concern

Populations appear stable, may be declining slightly.

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Credits

  • Gill, R. E., B. J. McCaffery, and P. S. Tomkovich. 2002. Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelus incanus). In The Birds of North America, No.642 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
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Range Map Help

Wandering Tattler Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings