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White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis ORDER: CHARADRIIFORMES FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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White-rumped Sandpiper Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Unique among the small sandpipers known as "peeps," the White-rumped Sandpiper shows white above the base of the tail. Its striking rump, along with its distinctive call note, make it readily identifiable in the midst of a flock of flying small shorebirds.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Shorebirds
Shorebirds
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Small to medium-sized sandpiper. Short neck. Moderately long straight bill. Moderately long legs. Long wings extend past end of tail on resting bird. Large white patch at base of tail. Underparts white, with fine dark streaks on pale gray breast. Black chevron marks on flanks in breeding plumage. Back mostly gray in nonbreeding plumage, mixed gray and warm brown in breeding plumage.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but with more scaly pattern on back.

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Similar Species

  • Baird's Sandpiper very similar in size, shape, and markings, but is usually browner, with more even dark across chest, more scaly back pattern, and lacks white rump.
  • Dunlin larger and with a more down-curved bill.